Luke 24:13-35: Muscle and Bone
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Duccio di Buoninsegna: On the Road to Emmaus
In this Eastertide, we spend time with the Gospels of the Easter Octave, the eight days comprising the celebration of Easter. We again hear Luke’s story of the road to Emmaus. Today we look again at a few details that bring this story into the present. First, we choose a translation that speaks to us most clearly. Then we reflect. If we want to hear an audio version of today’s verses, visit the USCCB site. We may find other versions by using the scripture link and drop-down menus.
In the MESSAGE translation, the story of Cleopas and his companion, and their astounding encounter with the risen Christ, carries the subtitle A Ghost Doesn’t Have Muscle and Bone. We want to remember this today as we face a world that is eager to distract us for the message we need to hear.
They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened.
We can imagine ourselves moving through our day, walking side-by-side with friends and family, hashing out surprising events that have stunned our community. Too often we are so fully involved in our own story, we do not notice the stories of others.
They were not able to recognize who [Jesus] was.
We can see ourselves as lovers of Christ and believers in his promise; yet we are not always able to see the truth that stands before us.
Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?”
We are thick-headed and slow-hearted, reluctant and discouraged; yet we remain hopeful and determined, prepared to be loved.
He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.”
Duccio: Emmaus Detail
We are ready for the newness despite the lateness of the hour. We invite the prophets among us to share their experience of God. We remain open to the Holy Spirit and the gift of new and intense joy.
And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him.
This is how we must go into the world each day, open-eyed and wide-eyed. We must be willing to be amazed. We must be open to the promise. We must be ready to meet the Christ when we are downcast and least expecting to believe that this fact is true . . . A Ghost Doesn’t Have Muscle and Bone.
For other posts on the story of Emmaus, enter the word into the blog search bar and explore.
Images from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_to_Emmaus_appearance
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