Easter Wednesday

Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 104 (105):1-4,6-9; Luke 24:13-35

Martin Buber, the Austrian Jewish and Israeli philosopher said, “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware.”  This is certainly the case for those two disciples of Jesus who made their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  Perhaps they wished to make the journey as quickly as possible – after all, most of us are very keen indeed to get to our destination and we may view the journey as something to be achieved quickly, efficiently, and as a simple means to an end.

Whilst the destination of Emmaus is always before them, on arriving they will look back on their journey and realise the significance of what they had experienced along the way. After spending a short time in Emmaus, they return to Jerusalem as quickly as possible, retracing their steps.  They are now deeply aware for themselves that Jesus had risen from the dead for they had recognised him in the Breaking of Bread.  Even though he had shared in their journey, walked and talked with them, been invited to stay with them at the end of the day, they failed to recognise him.  When they arrive in Jerusalem, their own experience is confirmed by that of the disciples.  ‘Yes, it is true,’ they said. ‘The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Those two travellers then share the story of what happened to them on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread.

Whenever we gather at the Eucharist, we are called to recognise the Risen Lord.  But we also bring to him all that we have experienced along the path of life.  Being attentive to the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist can help us to be more alert to his presence in our daily lives, and in all the little journeys we make, whether we are at work or rest or play, whether we are moving on or standing still.  Sometimes, our journey may take us to a different destination, or new possibilities are opened to us.  We may even go back to where we started but with a fresh perspective on life.  So, may our time spent with Jesus in the Breaking of Bread, and the precious gift he gives us, help us to be more attentive to his presence in our daily lives.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

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