Feeding Our Souls

One of the most beloved of the post-Resurrection tales, the Road to Emmaus, gives us much on which to reflect today. (Lk 24:13-35). Cleopas and his companion, despite having heard the rumor that the body of Jesus was no longer in the tomb, were not able to put all the pieces together and were on the road home to Emmaus in a state of confusion and dejection.  They were able to recount the events of the past few days to the "stranger" who met them, but were blinded to their meaning and to his identity. When he traced the Scriptures back to the prophets explaining that the Christ had to suffer and die before entering his glory, their hearts began to burn within as he placed the pieces of the puzzle in their proper place. Then the climactic "Aha!" moment as he gave thanks and broke bread, and they realized with whom they had been privileged to walk. He disappeared, but they, now on fire, walked back the seven miles to Jerusalem to share their experience with the Eleven.
It was in the 'breaking of the bread" that clarity came, emptiness was filled and joy restored.  It was for this that on the night before he died, Jesus gave us his body and blood.  It is in the Eucharist that the opportunity is there weekly, daily, for us to be fed on the Bread of Life, to rekindle the Easter Fire in our hearts and to keep it burning brightly. When we find ourselves dejected on our road to Emmaus, may we too find solace, strength and comfort in "the breaking of the bread."
Bro Rene