When we lose a loved one, it’s natural to want to hold on. The final departure after the passing can be devastating. It’s like the world has stopped. Often loved ones have trouble turning away and leaving the casket after the burial service. Stories are told and re-told, heirlooms and special mementoes are divvied out. The pain of the loss may subside, but may never be healed completely. After my mom’s death last November, it took me four months to finally go through all her papers that stayed piled up in a corner of my room. As long as her business transactions were around, she was still around. And, she is, but in a new way.

   The two disciples in the Gospel today were feeling pretty melancholy. Things didn’t turn out quite as they had hoped. Jesus died. It seemed that things were back to the same old way. They decided to cut their losses and go home. They had certain expectations and they were really disappointed and disillusioned. They had pretty much given up their faith and departed from the group of disciples. Two insignificant persons were going no where, really had nowhere to go. Yet, all that changed in their conversation and then the sharing of a meal with one who joined them.  He was with them. That event changed the two and they once again returned to Jerusalem and recounted what had taken place on the way.

   Luke, the only Evangelist who records this story, does not end his Gospel with the Resurrection. The event of the resurrection becomes Jesus’ faithful disciples, an ecclesial institution. The Risen Lord is present now within the Church. And, He is present most through the words of scripture and the breaking of the bread. “Stay with us,” they said. He does. We, as they, can be too occupied with our own agendas, our own expectations. We can become disillusioned. We can loose hope and think we’re at a dead end. No way out! What’s more final than death and a tomb? But, the resurrection tells us that in Christ there are no dead ends. As Jesus spoke with them and explained the meaning of those last days, their eyes, minds, and hearts were opened. When we stay with God, we are opened to further truth. But, it’s a journey, and takes perseverance. The Church’s guidance and sacraments accompany us.

   Can you recognize yourself in the two disciples who did not recognize Christ?

   How has the Easter celebration opened your eyes to Christ?

   The two were not reluctant to move on and be moved on. We get new insights and go down new paths as we recognize Him through words and deeds, the scriptures, the breaking of bread together as we actualize the presence of Jesus in the midst of the gathered community.