New Testament Professor, Brendan Byrne SJ, in his book, ‘The Hospitality of God’ (2015) calls today’s gospel – ‘the masterpiece of Luke the storyteller.’ (pp.204-209)

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus accompanies two unknowing disciples, heartbroken about the death of Jesus.

Jesus listens. He respects their experience. He then explains through the scriptures how their story fits in God’s story, which transforms suffering and death into something much greater than they can understand.

The disciples listen. They still do not know who is talking with them.

Hospitality follows, first from the disciples who invite Jesus to stay with them, then through the breaking of bread where the hospitality of God overflows. Their eyes, following the inkling in their hearts, are opened, and in that moment or revelation, Jesus disappears. They go back to Jerusalem and share their experience of the risen Lord.

Byrne calls this story ‘a paradigm of Christian life and mission.’ (p.204)

As the Christian community gathers for Eucharist today, nourishment comes from the reading of Scripture that places the lives of all present in the story of God; and from the breaking of bread, bringing Jesus close.

Jesus is here. Jesus is risen. Jesus listens to hearts. Jesus explains. Jesus gives his body and blood, and we feel and see again that which brings life, hope and courage to follow.

The readings from Acts and the Letter of Peter show courage in action as Peter proclaims, in his context, the story of the faithfulness of God, fulfilled in Jesus.

For our context, Michael McGirr, in his work, ‘Brave New World: Courage and Caritas’ (2022) is helpful in his exploration of courage. To follow Jesus is to be courageous in our everyday encounters. McGirr quotes Pope Francis: “The Gospel tells us constantly to run the risk of a face-to-face encounter with others... The Son of God, by becoming flesh, summoned us to a revolution of tenderness.” (In the Joy of the Gospel)

Can we be Jesus for others? Accompanying, listening, sharing God’s story with courage? Can we accompany hearts and minds to the truth of God with us? Can we journey on the Road to Emmaus?

The writer of Luke has given us a beautiful gift in this Eucharistic masterpiece, (Byrne, p. 209) ‘the sacrament of everyday courage’. (McGirr, p. 44.)