Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm
During the Easter season, we, in a very specific way, continue celebrating the mystery of the Lord's resurrection. Last Sunday, we read John 20:19-31, where Jesus met Thomas and showed him his wounds. The Gospel passage culminates in Thomas' strong faith in Jesus when he said to Jesus, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Today, we read a different story about Jesus' appearance to his disciples.
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35) is not just a resurrection narrative; it is a model of the Eucharist. The account naturally divides into two major parts: the conversation on the road and the breaking of bread at the table.
These two parts directly mirror the two main sections of the Mass: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
In the first part, Jesus walks alongside two discouraged disciples leaving Jerusalem. He listens to their confusion and sorrow over his crucifixion. Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explains everything written about Himself in the Scriptures.
This is the Liturgy of the Word in miniature: the Word of God is proclaimed, interpreted, and applied to the present situation. Their hearts burn within them as Jesus speaks, showing that authentic scriptural teaching kindles faith and hope.
The purpose of the Liturgy of the Word is not simply the transmission of information but transformation — hearts set on fire for Christ.
The second part takes place at supper. As Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and offers it to them, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. Then He vanishes.
This moment is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The action of taking bread, blessing, breaking, and giving is similar to the action Jesus performed at the Last Supper. Here, the Word made flesh, who spoke through Scripture, now gives Himself as spiritual food. Recognition happens not through teaching alone but through the sacramental act. The disciples do not simply understand Jesus; they receive Him.
Crucially, the two parts are not separate. The proclamation of the Word is fulfilled in the breaking of the bread. The same Jesus who interprets the Scriptures is the One given in the Eucharist.
The table of the Word leads directly to the table of the Bread. Without the Word, the Eucharist risks becoming an empty ritual; without the Eucharist, the Word remains unfinished teaching. Together, they form one single act of celebration.
For the Third Sunday of Easter, this Gospel invites every Christian to see the Mass as the Emmaus encounter. We come discouraged, confused, or distracted. We listen to Scripture, and our hearts burn within us. Then we go to the altar, where Christ breaks the bread, and our eyes are opened.
The journey from the road to the table is the journey of every Eucharist. The face of the Eucharistic celebration is always Christ: teaching on the road, giving Himself in the bread.
We leave, like the disciples, with burning hearts to share what we have seen and heard. (*)