251. The Appearance of the Lord to the Disciples at Emmaus. Fourth. Lk. 24:13–35

On that same first day of the week, two of the disciples were going to a village sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus, and they talked with one another about all these things that had happened. And as they talked and reasoned together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them: What are these things that you are discussing with one another as you walk, and why are you sad? And one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him: Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days? He said to them: What things? They said to Him: Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that it was He who was to redeem Israel. But besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us; they were at the tomb early, and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see Him.

And He said to them: O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer and enter into His glory? And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going; and He appeared to be going farther. But they urged Him, saying: Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent. And He went in to stay with them.

When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other: Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road and opened to us the scriptures?

And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said: The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon. Then they told what had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.