Today’s gospel (Luke 24:13-35) is the lovely recounting of what happened on the way as two disciples of Jesus journeyed between Jerusalem and Emmaus. It tells the story of inward transformation and spiritual enlightenment that happens on a physical journey as they travel. This transformation happens as they become aware of the presence of the risen Christ burning within their hearts in the opening up of the Word and in the celebration of the Eucharist.
“The Way” is a term used in the earliest years of Christianity to name the new way of life as followers of Christ. (See Acts of the Apostles 9:2). In today’s gospel story a physical journey of moving from one place to another and the Christian Way of living are woven together with great skill by the evangelist Luke.
This gospel teaches us how particular journeys on The Way and the very Way itself cause inner growth and recognition of the presence of Christ similar to the experience of the two disciples. When have you been keenly aware of the presence of Christ on The Way during this time of pandemic?