From today’s Scripture: “As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”—Lk 24:28-31
That line from Cleopas touches my heart, “But we were hoping…” It carries disappointment, grief, confusion — and hope that hasn’t quite died yet. It’s the prayer we whisper when God hasn’t done what we thought redemption would look like. Jesus joins them on the journey right there, on the road of dashed hopes. Not in triumph, not with explanations that explains everything, but by walking with them, listening, letting them speak their sorrow out loud.
And yes — are not our hearts burning within us? That quiet fire that starts when Scripture suddenly sounds like it’s being spoken to us, not just read by us. And then the breaking of the bread. Not a lecture. Not an argument. A table. Holy Communion.
The Emmaus road never really ends. We’re always walking it — sometimes hopeful, sometimes disappointed, often unaware that the risen Christ is closer than we think.
Let us pray: Jesus, my Lord and my companion. Open my very being and heart to see you as I walk the road to Emmaus.
Today’s author is Father Dan Dorsey, president of Glenmary Home Missioners.
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