The Road to Emmaus – Emmaus – 7 miles from Jerusalem -
became famous 200 years before Christ – Judas the Maccabee (the Hammer) and his
army won a victory against the Syrian forces of Antiochus Epiphanes. A few days
later they took back the temple
And tore down the Statue of Zeus – they wanted to light the candle but had only
1 flask of pure oil – 1 day’s worth – lasted 8 days - the Feast of Hanukkah –
Festival of Lights
Now Emmaus seems to be a place to drown your sorrows –
a place to lick wounds – a place of defeat.
Jesus is dead – Peter did speak of an empty tomb and women
say something about seeing him – but it must be all nonsense. The dream is over. Mistake – left the group,
off on their own, easy to doubt.
Stranger joins them
- why could they not see it was
Jesus?
-
Resurrected body?
-
Just could not be Him!
Did not fit!
He asks – what are you discussing? A look – what’s wrong with you? Don’t you
know what happened?? – actually HE IS the ONLY ONE who really knew
what happened!
Begins to make connections – helps to understand
Scripture – the Messiah first must suffer!
Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ - Jerome
Acts to go farther - stay with us – Act of hospitality
- a brilliant move – he said, when 2 or
3 are gathered, there am I! Recall
painting in St. Paul’s, London. Handle on inside!
He enters as a guest – becomes the Host - Takes Bread – breaks it - eyes were opened -
They knew Him in the Breaking of the Bread – Eucharist.
Jesus revealed in Word – Eucharist – together. Sound familiar? God is present in many way – but in a most
special way here!!!
Emmaus – where is it today?
Card Dolan in Holy Land – anything else – want to see
Emmaus!
Sad – about 4 that claim it.
Could be this road – or that road.
Could be 5th
Ave – I 84 – Taconic State Parkway – Rt 9 – 55 – 82???!!!
All roads can lead to Emmaus – here! - and here our hearts will burn within us as we
see Him again - Word + the Breaking of the Bread and one
another!!!
