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WORD AMONG US WAU.ORG Reflections
Daily Meditation: Luke 24:13-35
He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:35)
Have you ever noticed how the story of the two disciples meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus looks a lot like the way we meet Jesus at every Mass?
At the start, Cleopas and his friend were devastated. Jesus had been crucified, and their hopes were dashed. So when Jesus approached them, “their eyes were prevented from recognizing him” (Luke 24:16). How often do we come to Mass preoccupied? Maybe we had an argument on the way to church, or we’re worried about a family problem. These things can keep us from seeing Jesus clearly.
Jesus didn’t keep his distance. He drew near and engaged with these two disheartened disciples. Similarly, he welcomes us to Mass as we are and draws near to us. In the Penitential Rite, he offers us his mercy so that we can turn from our sins and refocus our minds on him.
Once Jesus started the conversation with his disciples, he walked them through “what referred to him in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). In the Liturgy of the Word, Jesus teaches us. The readings can open our hearts and minds to God’s perfect plan, fulfilled in him.
Although the disciples’ hearts were burning as they began to understand the Scriptures, they didn’t recognize Jesus until he took, blessed, broke, and gave bread to them. In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, our eyes are opened and our faith deepened as Jesus offers himself to us in Holy Communion!
Next, the two disciples immediately and joyfully returned to Jerusalem to tell their friends. At the end of Mass, we are sent out to “go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Meeting Jesus changes our hearts, and we can’t help but proclaim it.
The next time you’re at Mass, imagine that Cleopas and his companion are with you. Share their excitement as, throughout the liturgy, your heart begins to burn with love as you come to recognize Jesus, present in the breaking of the bread.
“Jesus, thank you for making yourself known to me!”
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First Reading ⎯ Acts 2:14, 22-33
What convincing support does Peter offer to prove Jesus is the Messiah?
Second Reading ⎯ 1 Peter 1:17-21
What is the motivation that would empower us to conduct our lives with reverence?
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Gospel Reading ⎯ Luke 24:13-35
Contrast the psychological make-up of these disciples before and after Jesus revealed himself to them.
4.What are one or two ways in which we can cooperate with Jesus’ desire to reveal himself to us through the sacred Scriptures and the Eucharist?
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LUKE 24:13-35 GOSPEL: ALTERNATIVE QUESTIONS:
Reading closely
- What has happened that very day (v.1)?
- What are these disciples moving away from?
- What exactly might the two disciples be talking about before Jesus joins them?
- Why do you think the two disciples don’t recognize Jesus?
- How do the disciples seem to be reacting to the news that Jesus’ tomb is empty?
- How does Jesus interact with these disciples?
- Why do you think the disciples invite Jesus to stay with them?
- How do these disciples recognize Jesus?
- What exactly do you think “our hearts were burning” means?
- Why do the disciples return to Jerusalem?
- How might these disciples react to the news that Jesus has appeared to Peter (v.34)?
Living the word
- When have you felt confused or troubled by the story of salvation?
- When have you had your own memorable encounter with Jesus?
- What insights does this reading offer you about the Mass?
