On Our Road to Emmaus

May this reflection inspire each of us to walk our own roads of faith with courage, hope, and with an ever-deepening awareness of the mystery and grace that surrounds our lives.

At the end of the confirmation year, I always asked the confirmands to choose a Bible verse that resonated with them for their confirmation. On several occasions, our teens have asked about my own choice. Without hesitation, I’ve shared that my favorite is Psalm 23. Yet, when it comes to the Gospel of Luke—and its companion book, Acts—many already know that I am particularly drawn to Luke 24, the Road to Emmaus.

I first encountered Psalm 23 in my tenth-grade literature class, and it has since profoundly influenced my faith. Recently, as I reflect on my life, I am reminded once again of how deeply the Lord has guided the paths of Kathy and me. During our visit to the Holy Land we discovered that the site identified as Emmaus by tradition has not yet been located by archaeologists, a mystery that adds even more wonder to this cherished story. The New Revised Standard Version has continued to remind me of his constant presence on my very blessed road in life:

“13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b]18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

In conclusion, Luke 24 has always resonated with me because it continues to remind me of the power of encountering Christ in unexpected ways. This passage also reminds us that our journey of faith often unfolds gradually, revealing its full beauty only through reflection and personal discovery. Just as the road to Emmaus invites a deeper understanding of the Resurrection, our individual paths—marked by moments of doubt, revelation, and steadfast love—call us to experience Christ’s presence anew. “Take and Eat!”

Walking with Christ together,

Craig