that had happened. While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself
approached and began to accompany them, but their eyes were not able to recognize him.
He asked, “What is it you are talking about?” The two stood still, looking sad. Then the one
named Cleophas answered, “Why, it seems you are the only traveler to Jerusalem who
doesn’t know what has happened there these past few days.” And he asked, “What is it?
” They replied, “It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet, you know, mighty in word
and deed before God and the people. But the chief priests and our rulers sentenced him to
death. They handed him over to be crucified. We had hoped that he would redeem Israel.
It is now the third day since all this took place. It is also true that some women of our group
have disturbed us. When they went to the tomb at dawn, they did not find his body; and they
came and told us that they had had a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive.
Some of our people went to the tomb and found everything just as the women had said,
but they did not find a body in the tomb.” He said to them, “How dull you are, how slow of
understanding! Is the message of the prophets too difficult for you to understand? Is it not
written that the Christ should suffer all this, and then enter his glory?” Then starting with Moses,
and going through the prophets, he explained to them everything in the Scriptures concerning
himself. As they drew near the village they were heading for, Jesus made as if to go farther. But
they prevailed upon him, “Stay with us, for night comes quickly. The day is now almost over.
” So he went in to stay with them. When they were at table, he took the bread, said a blessing,
broke it, and gave each a piece. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; but
he vanished out of their sight. And they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within
us when he was talking to us on the road and explaining the Scriptures?” They immediately set
out and returned to Jerusalem. There, they found the Eleven and their companions gathered
together. They were greeted by these words: “Yes, it is true, the Lord is risen! He has appeared
to Simon!” Then the two told what had happened on the road to Emmaus, and how Jesus had
made himself known, when he broke bread with them.

READ: The first reading is a capsule of Peter’s Pentecost speech to the visitors
from many nations who had converged on Jerusalem for the feast. The Letter
of Peter reminds us that Jesus’ death offers salvation to all people. The Gospel
recounts the disciples’ encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

REFLECT: The Gospel today presents a short course in evangelization. Jesus
meets the disciples as they travel and begins a discussion with them about what
they have experienced. Jesus then helps them to understand their experience in
light of Scripture, reflecting on what God is doing in their lives. Finally, Jesus brings
them together at the table and they recognize him in the breaking of the bread.
We are called to follow this example, reaching out without prejudice or distinction,
without regard to race, class, or other division. We meet people where they are,
walking alongside them on their journey through the challenges of life, sharing
with them insights from Scripture and Church teaching, helping them to become
aware of God’s action in their lives. Hopefully, they will come to unity with Christ
in his Body, the Church, around the Eucharistic table.

PRAY: Lord, help me to share your Gospel with those I meet.

ACT: Extend an invitation to participate in Mass or another event at your church.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023