Reflection for Sunday 19th April, 2026

3rd Sunday of Easter

Emmaus and Eucharist (Luke 24:13-35)

There are ten meals in Luke’s Gospel, each one with an important message. Today we shall ponder on the meal that the Risen Lord shared with two travellers on the road to Emmaus. It is very likely that Luke used this story to explain the four parts of the Mass: assembly of people remembering; liturgy of the word; breaking the bread; sent on a mission.

Assembly of people

Two disciples were so disturbed by the death of Jesus that they were heading for Emmaus, a village renowned for the hot springs where people could relax. But on the road, they were still talking about what happened on Calvary. The first requirement for Mass is the gathering of people in memory of the sacrifice of Jesus.

“He took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and gave it to them.”

Liturgy of the word

The Risen Lord joined the two travellers on the road, but they did not recognise him. It is consoling to realise that Jesus walked with them even when they were going in the wrong direction. He asked them what they were talking about. “All about Jesus of Nazareth who proved he was a great prophet,” but he was handed over and crucified. Some women went to the tomb and had a vision of angels who declared that he was risen. Now, if it was men who had that news, no doubt it would have been taken seriously. But women! Has it changed?
Jesus said to them, “You foolish men! So slow to believe all that the prophets said!” In biblical language, a fool is someone who does not believe in God. “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer before entering into his glory?” Then he quoted Moses and many prophets.
At Mass, our Readings are called the table of the world. Many years ago, a young seminarian said to me that a priest who breaks the bread but not the word is only half a priest!

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Later, his fellow travellers invited Jesus to share a meal with them. While he was with them, he repeated his actions at the Last Supper. “He took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and gave it to them.” Their eyes were opened and they recognised him but he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?”

Mission after Mass

The two companions immediately returned to Jerusalem as missionaries witnessing to the Risen Lord. We too are sent on a mission at the end of Mass.
Having listened to the Word of God, and being nourished by the Blessed Eucharist, we are sent out to love and serve God in the people we meet.
“The Mass is ended. Go now to love and serve the Lord.”