Acts 2:14.22-28
Psalm 16
1Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24:13-35
This gospel story often known as The Road to Emmaus is rich with themes found through Luke’s gospel: journey, faith as seeing, sharing meals and hospitality. The story has everything: distress, suspense, a gradual dawning of light. It’s such a human story with its theme of journey, dashed hopes, and turning to someone who might or mightn’t help. It holds the discovery that Scripture can unlock a door, that hospitality reveals Jesus with us and this awareness warms our hearts … even makes them burn.
Read LUKE 24: 13-35 or be with this beautiful icon written by Phil Dyer which brings the Emmaus journey into our own country.
St Ignatius Loyola urges you to ask for what you desire:
“an intimate knowledge of Jesus the Lord so that you may love Him more and follow Him more closely”.
Spiritual Exercises # 104
Enter into to the scene by imagining yourself on the way to Emmaus with two disciples of Jesus. The two feel despondent and disillusioned. Perhaps they have left their companions behind in the locked upper room in Jerusalem in order to walk the 7 kms to the village of Emmaus.
As you go, talk with Jesus about your experience of these lockdown days. What is it like in your bubble? Or as a caregiver or essential worker? What is your awareness of the wider world at this time? Listen for how Jesus responds to your story.
Be aware of how you feel with “the Stranger Jesus” as you tell your story.
A longing wells up in you to invite him into your place … your home or workplace.
Open your hands, or even go to your door and open it as a symbol of welcoming Jesus.
Stay in the company of the Risen Jesus, feeling his presence with you like the disciples around the table at Emmaus.
St Richard of Chichester first wrote in the 13th century:
“O Lord, may I see You more clearly
Love You more dearly
Follow You more nearly,
Day by day.”
End with a prayer for the world and all people. Give thanks for the gift of this time of prayer.
Think about how you live out this Gospel in the week ahead.
—Anne Powell, Cenacle Sisters