Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, The Road to Emmaus

This Sunday we hear Luke’s beautiful post-resurrection account of the Road to Emmaus. Two of Jesus’ disciples, despondent over his execution and puzzled by rumors of his resurrection are joined in their journey by a stranger who begins to interpret from scripture and unfold for them the reasons of why the Christ had to die. The two disciples were so taken by him, they invite him to dinner. When he takes the bread and blesses it, they recognize him for who he really is, upon which Jesus disappears. They never do reach Emmaus. Instead, they go immediately back to Jerusalem to spread the good news that Jesus has risen. Note, that it is at a common meal that Jesus reveals himself to them. While the Mass is the common way that we, as Catholic Christians, ritually encounter the risen Lord, how often do we encounter the risen Lord around our common table at home? It is at our home meals, eucharist with a small “e”, that we encounter the Jesus of Emmaus. The Jesus that is immanent, that is immediately present to us. There is a wonderful 1938 movie directed by Frank Capra, and written by George Kaufman and Moss Hart entitled, “You Can’t Take It With You,” that illustrates the home “eucharist” so well. Mealtime in this home of an eclectic family, boarders, and friends is the time around which the important elements of the film happen. Their common meals are humorous, poignant and sacred. They come to the table to break bread with one another and it is from that meal that they go forth to pursue the important things of their lives. So much revolves around that common meal that it is no surprise that the great conclusion of the film is with the family once more gathered around the table for a meal. Do we make the time to sit down for a common meal, once a day, once a week, once every two weeks, once a month? Do we make Jesus a welcome guest at our home meals? It is from the common meal we share at home that Jesus is present in the preparation of the food, in the food that we “break and share” with one another, in the stories that are told around the table, and in the clearing of the table, the storing of leftovers, and the cleaning of cups, dishes and utensils. As in the movie, it is at the meals that we celebrate at home in which the important action of our family lives happen. It is from this common meal that we find not only the nourishment to live, but the strength to carry on the important work of our lives. As important as it is to celebrate the presence of Jesus in the breaking of the bread at Mass, it is equally important to celebrate the presence of Jesus in the breaking of the bread at home.