The Way
The Road to Emmaus
Hearts on fire, and bread broken
Story
That afternoon, two disciples were walking to Emmaus, a village about sixty stadia from Jerusalem. As they talked over everything that had happened in the past few days, their voices were heavy. Then a traveler came up and walked along beside them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. The traveler asked, what is this you are discussing with each other as you walk along?
The two stopped, their faces downcast. Cleopas said, we had hoped that he was the one who would redeem Israel. Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, the traveler explained to them, one by one, what was said about himself in all the scriptures. When they reached the village, the sun was going down, and the traveler acted as if he were going on. The two held him back. It is nearly evening. Stay with us.
When they sat down at the table, he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and handed it to them. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. But at once Jesus vanished from their sight. Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us? They got up that very hour and retraced the dark road by night, back to Jerusalem.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all the prophets said! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?
What are you talking about with each other as you walk along?
Weren't our hearts burning like fire within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Lk 24:13–35
Background
The exact location of Emmaus is unknown. To fit the record of about eleven kilometers from Jerusalem, Motza and Qubeibeh have been proposed, and one tradition points to the more distant Emmaus Nicopolis.
Pause and Reflect
When I was discouraged, what word from the Lord lifted me up again?