This exquisite EASTER story: the meeting of the STRANGER with the two disciples,on the road to EMMAUS is found only in Luke's Gospel. What the disciples say (v.19) about Jesus of Nazareth is the Christian creed.(Acts 2:22-24; 10:38). Mere recital of the Creed does not create faith. The disciples remember Jesus' prophecies about his own passion, death and resurrection (Lk. 9:22; 13:32-33; 18:31-33). To know the facts of Jesus' life and to describe how they jibe with his predictions do not open their eyes of faith either. Neither does the faithful women disciples' proclamation of the EASTER message make them see beyond!.

The Scriptures in themselves do not necessarily open our eyes. They barely make our hearts burn inside (v. 32) What awakens us to the presence of the DIVINE is the concrete gesture of sharing and hospitality. The disciples' concern for the STRANGER (v. 29) "stay with us, it is evening and the day is almost over"... transforms their sadness, foolishness, slowness of heart into joy and insight into the RESURRECTION. They, who had strayed from the community, become the table companions of the RISEN LORD, forgiven and sent back to their mission.

If Jesus is alive then there is with him a power stronger then the power that killed him. The CROSS, a sign of death and shame, becomes a sign of life and hope!