Knowing Jesus in the Breaking of the Bread

“The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way,
and how Jesus was made known to them 
in the breaking of bread.” (Lk 24:35)
 
This famous passage, commonly referred to as The Road to Emmaus, recounts the unforgettable journey of two disciples who meet Jesus along their way. As they walked together, they conversed with their Lord and Savior without recognizing him. They were impressed enough to invite Jesus to stay and dine with them, and the encounter is recorded as follows:
 
“Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he 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, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:27-32)
 
As we gather in the Eucharistic celebration this Easter season, we can follow the outline that was established with the two disciples as they travelled toward Emmaus. In the Liturgy of the Word, we encounter Christ in the reading of scripture, and in the interpretation contained within the kerygmatic word. The Liturgy of the Eucharist provides true communion with God and neighbor, and is truly the source and summit of Catholic worship.
 
As we travel toward Heaven, may our hearts burn with desire to encounter Jesus in the breaking of the bread, and to recognize Him in one another.