The Emmaus story in my life

The disciples were returning to their village, being disappointed for what had happened to their Master because “as yet they did not understand the Scripture that He must rise again from the dead” (Jn 20.9.).Then Jesus joined with them on their journey and explained the Scriptures in answer to their problems of unbelief, disappointment and frustration; but still their minds were veiled (cfr.2 Cor 4.4).God has His unique ways of teaching us, either by Himself, through His Word or by sending some people across our lives path. (cfr.Ananias to Paul- Acts 9.10-19; Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8.26-35). Am I open to His words of wisdom?

At the breaking of the bread, the disciples’ ‘eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus” (Lk 24.31). Jesus, the Word became flesh, is fully present in the Sacred Host and when we receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, it becomes easy for us to understand the Holy Scripture. Quoting Vatican II, Pope Benedict XVI says: “Word and Eucharist are so deeply bound together that we cannot understand one without the other. The Eucharist opens us up to the understanding of the Scripture, just as Scripture for its part illumines and explains the mystery of the Eucharist”. (Verbum Domini 55)

How privileged are we that we have the Table of the Word and the Table of the Body and Blood of Jesus in every Catholic Church. First we hear the Divine Word during the Liturgy of the Word and the Lord whom we receive in the Eucharist helps us to reflect on the deeper meaning of it and strengthens us to make it enfleshed in our lives. Let us treasure the riches of our Church and be nourished and strengthened day by day by approaching the Banqueting Table. Let us also grow in our gratitude to the Lord for instituting the Sacrament of Priesthood; it is His Priests who minister this Life-giving Sacrament to us.

The ‘Emmaus story’, in short :

• The disciples were in disbelief and despair
• Jesus enters into the situation to increase their faith through His Word
• The disciples invite Him into their house
• Jesus enters into them through the blessed Host
• The disciples experienced Jesus

This in fact, is what happens at every celebration of the Holy Eucharist. As Vatian II puts it: “Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life”. Our Pope Benedict XVI has exhorted the faithful during His homily at his Installation: “Let us start each new day with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist”.

Mary Pereira