Today we read of the disciples who tell Jesus: "But we had hoped that he (Jesus) was the one to redeem Israel." (Jn 24: 21) Instead of basking in the glory of the Messiah they walk away from Jerusalem dejected and hopeless. Just like the Prodigal Son, wallowing in his pity, they are bankrupt and disheartened. Like many Catholics today they have heard of God, been to Catholic schools and received the first sacraments but now there is nothing to look forward to and nothing to celebrate. Emmaus is a staging post on the road to nowhere. Yet, once they have had their say, Jesus patiently reveals to them the message of the Scriptures once again. It is only, however, at the breaking of the bread that they recognise him for who he is and reflect: "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" (Lk 24: 32) Do we, as practising Catholics, have the patience to listen to the stories of lapsed Catholics? Do we love them enough to communicate how wonderful God is and that the Bible is true? Are we capable of participating in the Mass with such faith, hope and love that any visitor will recognise the Lord "in the breaking of the bread" (cf. Lk 24: 31) when they come to church with us?
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