Resurrection of Our Lord (Evening) – Luke 24:13-49

“Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him;” (Luke 24:31a; NRSV)

The story of the encounter of the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus is a great story to close Easter Day with.  It is not just a happy ending to a horrible Holy Week, and God’s work in our shape and form as Jesus; it also marks the beginning of God’s work in the Church as the Resurrected Christ.   When Jesus joined two of His followers, stunned by His execution, as they walked home from Jerusalem, they did not recognize Him.  They continued to be unaware of his identity as He interpreted Scripture for them as they walked.  When they invited him to share a meal with them in their home, however, they recognized Him as “he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it them.” (Luke 24:30 NRSV)

So often we don’t recognize the risen Christ in our midst, even when we trust that He is there.  Then He reveals Himself to us in a time of solitude.   More often, I believe, He reveals Himself to us as we have gathered with others to study, eat, or work in His name.   We can most certainly expect His presence when bread is “taken, blessed, broken, and given” to us in the sacrament of Holy Communion!

Risen Lord, give us trust that you are with us in all the situations of our life.  Open our eyes to see and know You, especially in the face of another.  Amen.

–Fr. Larry Parrish, St. Thomas Episcopal Church