Luke 24:13–35
Now on that same day two of them were going to a
village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each
other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing,
Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from
recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other
while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose
name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who
does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked
them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was
a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our
chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and
crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and
besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.
Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early
this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and
told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was
alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the
women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how
foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and
then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he
interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they
came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were
going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is
almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with
them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it,
and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and
he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts
burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening
the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem;
and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were
saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they
told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in
the breaking of the bread.
Reflection
The disheartened disciples had turned their back on
Jerusalem and were looking for a new direction for their lives. How I behave when I am disheartened? Do I turn away from God and walk my own
way?
Have I noticed that it is always Jesus who comes
near to me when I feel down and out?