Emmaus, from Tragedy to Opportunity (Luke 24:13-35)
Emmaus, from Tragedy to Opportunity (Luke 24:13-35)
3rd Sunday of Easter (Year A)
At the end of the gospel of Mark (16:12-13), the evangelist speaks about the two disciples encountering Jesus along the way. It was mentioned as a brief anecdote that unfortunately ends up with the incredulity of the others. One may notice that this “walk of the two disciples” was not unknown in early Christian circles. It appears Luke chose to recount it and provided more dramatic details to his narrative.
Some propose that these are two different occurrences because of their disparate conclusions. However, if one goes back to the intention of Luke’s account, this is likely a case of a deeper look at a familiar story. “I too have decided, after investigating accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received” (Lk. 1:3-4).
At the onset of this engaging version, one immediately notices a conspicuous presence of the connective “and” (Greek: kai). And behold, two of them on that same day were traveling to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus (Lk. 24:13). In effect, the story of the disciples at Emmaus is never an independent narration. It is necessarily attached to the preceding account of how Jesus’ resurrection brought consternation and confusion within the community, including Peter himself (Lk. 24:1-12). What does this effectively suggest?
For a starter, it depicts the early Christian community’s difficulty in making the head or tail of Jesus’ resurrection. As it were, it was next to impossible to comprehend Jesus’ rising from the dead. Yet, it is not just a mere deadlock; at the same time, it cleverly proposes a means out of this stalemate. On a significant level, it wishes to answer the believers’ fundamental questions: How does one understand the resurrection? If Jesus is alive, where and how does one encounter Him?
The answer begins by rightly establishing the context of Christianity’s appreciation of Easter: it must happen along the way! The scene in Lk 24:14-15 opens with a dramatic portrayal of how the disciples journeyed. As a matter of fact, in the synoptic accounts, the “way/road” is an essential expression of discipleship. In other words, a follower of Jesus is always on the road and does not remain stagnant. A synodal church indeed discovers the risen presence of the divine master.
But what of this community? These two protagonists are portrayed as conversing (homileō) and debating (suzēteō). That much could be said about Cleopas and his companion. It was not a leisurely exchange. On the contrary, the conversation’s topic was definitely the topmost. It was all about Jesus and how they pinned their hopes on him (Lk. 24:19-21). This expectation, so it seemed, was eventually dashed to pieces with Jesus tragically crucified as a criminal. Their plan did not materialize as they expected. This apparent failure was the preoccupation they had.
It was, therefore, a long woeful walk, seeking for a place to return to after that fateful Friday afternoon. Home was where they wished to go back, perhaps to escape the haunting humiliation and sad despair. One could only lamentably imagine what was going on in their minds. They abandoned everything to follow Jesus. Yet, it, unfortunately, turned out to be a devastating loss. It was not a “happy ever after” ending. The words of the gospel clearly demonstrate this pathos. They stopped, looking downcast (Lk. 24:17).
It is one of those dreadful moments when a person, finding himself in an existential mess, cannot comprehend. Or perhaps, it was an occasion that demanded the courage to accept humbly that they lost something they valued. Journeying and talking probably is too light an expression to describe the two disciples going home to Emmaus. Better yet, they were crestfallen.
They were angry. They felt cheated. And they did not know where and on whom to put the blame. Nothing was clear. Everything was muddled. They were left to themselves, talking without understanding (Lk. 24:14). Or they thought so. They were speaking about Jesus but not communicating with him. They were looking “downcast.” Hence, there was no possibility of seeing the unfathomable marvels that may only be seen with eyes raised to heaven.
Nonetheless, this walk proved to be a tragedy evolving into an opportunity. At this moment of appalling dissonance, Jesus started walking with them (Lk. 24:15). The Greek term sumporeuomai (to go with) may be considered a critical point. As it were, disciples must allow Jesus to be near them and to journey with them. At this juncture, they felt their hearts burning as he talked to them (Lk. 24:32). The Lord made his trademark move.
He came unexpectedly to the unsuspecting travelers. He asked them and peered into the deep recesses of their frustration, anger, and shame. “Are you the only visitor who does not know?” (Lk. 24:18) came the bitter reply. It was more than a surprised retort. It came from an aggrieved heart. This “unknown guest” seemed to have taken lightly what these disciples took too seriously. Something was not right. Their pain apparently was not shared. And this makes the whole thing worse.
Then came an astonishing appraisal from Jesus: How foolish you are! How slow of heart (Lk. 24:25). He pointed out their lack of needed wisdom. He brought to the fore their slackened discernment. It was a question of losing the correct bearing proper to the mind and the heart. They were senseless (Greek: anoētoi) and dull (Greek: bradus). Now, that alone is too much to bear.
It is a pain countered with blame. But for the Lord, such foolishness emerges from the disciples’ consideration of the whole event solely from their perspective. They were trying to fathom things using their own story and category. Therefore, it is unsurprising why they were walking with heavy hearts. Too much consideration of self brings emptiness and loneliness.
On the road to Emmaus, the disciples were reminded that what was unfolding was part of God’s narrative, of which they were but actors. It is a story made beautiful, notwithstanding the difficulty. And what makes it magnificent? Jesus reveals that what they experienced were not random occurrences but pieces fitted into the divine quilt. It is a meaningful human story woven suitably into the divine tapestry. “How foolish you are, how slow of heart to believe.”
That is the apex of human foolishness when life is lived as if it is but a solitary story devoid of any reference to God and others. Only in finding one’s story within the greater scheme of God will things be finally brought to light. Nothing fails when stories are read within God’s plan. Human experiences within the divine providence sphere are transformed into life-giving and life-changing moments. Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way?
However, the climax of these disciples’ experience took place when they persuaded Jesus to stay with them (Lk. 24:29). Remain with us, for it is nearly evening, and the day is almost over! And he obligingly acquiesced. This was the prayer of those disciples and continues to be the pleading of the Church today. When night and darkness seem to triumph, the followers of Jesus must be willing to loudly raise their voices to heaven, “Stay with us.”
Jesus did not only stay for that single evening. He intends to remain with his community for always through the breaking of the bread: he took the bread, said the blessing, and gave it to them (Lk. 24:30). This Eucharistic encounter becomes the perennial presence of the Risen Jesus, and it is through this meal that He is recognized as truly alive.
This “road to Emmaus” is constantly repeated until today in every Eucharist celebrated. In this convocation of the faithful, the Risen Lord continues to walk with his people. As what He exactly did to the two disciples, He teaches when the Word is proclaimed so that hearts may burn and long for Him. Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all scriptures. He breaks bread so that eyes may truly recognize Him alive and glorious. By listening to the Word, hearts are stirred up. By breaking the Bread, eyes are opened to acknowledge the presence of Him who journeys with them in their pains and desire to find meaning in life.
From Jerusalem, they came; to Jerusalem, they went back. The experience of the disciples at Emmaus now becomes the community’s proclamation: The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon” (Lk. 24:34). The two described in detail the things on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread (Lk. 24:35).
Luke’s account employs a unique verb exēgeomai (to describe in great detail). It is the root word of a more technical term, exegesis. As such, it highlights the drawing out of meaning as regards the events along the way. It reflects on and clarifies the disciples’ encounter with the Risen One. In other words, they did not keep the story to themselves. Their experience with the Lord called for a deepened appreciation. As it appears, the community's initial meeting with Jesus was nurtured by Cleopas and his companion’s shared report.
Sharing one’s encounter with Jesus is necessary to strengthen the community's faith. Rightly so, for Christianity is quintessentially a discovery of the living Jesus walking with the believers. He remains the risen “God-with-us” along the journey of life.