THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER The Road to Emmaus
Cleopas and his companion were grieving,
confused and frightened as they journeyed from
Jerusalem, the graveyard of their dreams, to the
village of Emmaus. Could this Cleopas have been
the husband of one of the Marys who stood at the
foot of the Cross as listed in St. John’s Gospel? If so,
his companion on the road may well have been a
woman! Jesus joins them on the road. He walks no
faster or no slower than them. He meets them where
they are at. They don’t recognise Him. He listens
and He explains. Then an act of hospitality changes
everything. It was in sharing an evening meal with
a stranger that the unexpected happened. Their
eyes were opened. Their sadness was transformed
to joy. Their faith was renewed. Then He was gone.
We travel the Emmaus road frequently during our
earthly journey when we experience loss, doubt or
despair. At these times the healing touch of God is
nearer than we think. His presence can be fleeting,
but it will change us and lift us up.
How else but through a broken heart can the Lord
enter in.