Daily Prayers

Prayer is Love, I want to Love

Jesus Appears On Road To Emmaus

Jesus’ Life: Chapter 19 – The Resurrection Of Jesus

Time: Late Afternoon on Easter Sunday

Two disciples on the road to Emmaus

Cleopas and another of Jesus’ disciples, both probably among his group of seventy, were travelling on the road near to Emmaus, a place about seven miles east of Jerusalem.

Like many others on the same afternoon, they may have been returning to their home after celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem.

Preoccupied in conversation about the momentous events of Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion and now his empty tomb, they barely noticed Jesus joining and walking aside them in the same direction!

When Jesus asked them, “What are these matters you are discussing so intently as you walk along,” they stood still! Then Cleopas, asked, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 24:18)

Jesus answered, “What things?”

The two disciples replied, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, a man who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet before God and all the people; and how our chief priests and rulers handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. Furthermore, they said, some women… were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive”. (Luke 24:21-23)

Jesus responded, “You foolish people – how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Thereafter, Jesus proceeded to explain to the two disciples the many things written about himself in the scriptures. (Luke 24:25-27)

Jesus sitting with the two disciples he joined on the road to Emmaus

As the two disciples approached Emmaus and perceived that Jesus seemed set on travelling further, they urged Him to stay with them and eat because it was, “getting towards evening and the day [was] almost done”. (Luke 24:29)

At the table, Jesus took bread, blessed  and broke it, and gave it to them to eat. Immediately, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus but he “vanished out of their sight”. (Luke 24:31)

The two joyous disciples then reflected on their meeting with the Risen Jesus saying, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining the scriptures to us!” At the same time, they decided to return immediately to Jerusalem and tell the other disciples, Jesus had fulfilled his promise, he had risen from out of his tomb. (Luke 24:32) (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-35)

Thought

How often does Jesus go unrecognised in my life?

Reflection

Lord Jesus, be the resurrection and life for those who don’t yet recognise You and guide me in my work to help them. Amen.

Prayer: Faith (Arjuna – 8th Century)

Supreme God, your light is brighter than the sun,
your purity whiter than mountain snow,
you are present wherever I go.

All people of wisdom praise you.
So I too put faith in all your words,
knowing that everything you teach is true.
Neither the angels in heaven or the demons in hell
can know the perfection of your wisdom,
for it is beyond all understanding.

Only your Spirit knows you;
only you can know your true self.
You are the source of all being,
the power of all power,
the rule of all creatures.
So, you alone understand what you are.

In your mercy, reveal to me all that I need to know,
In order to find peace and joy.
Tell me the truths that are necessary for the world in which I live.

Show me how I can meditate upon you,
learning from you the wisdom that I need.
I am never tired of hearing you,
because your words bring life.