The Gospel of Emmaus unfolds like a great liturgy in three stages: the liturgy of the road, the liturgy of the Word, and the liturgy of bread.
Emmaus is twelve miles from Jerusalem, a three-hour walk during which they talked about the divine hope they had invested so much in, now tarnished by blood on a cross.
And behold, Jesus approached and walked with them. Like a God scattered throughout the streets, who does not impose, he joins my pilgrimage. Step by step, he adapts to my pace. Any walk is fine with him, as long as it is a journey.
He initiated the liturgy of the Word, beginning with Moses and the prophets. He explained the Scriptures, revealing that the Cross is a sign of fullness rather than an accident. The two individuals discovered a profound truth: even when God’s hand seems hidden, as witnessed in the darkness of the Cross, His power is at work, weaving a golden thread throughout the world.
Then the liturgy of bread begins, around the first altar, which is the table at home: they recognized him in the breaking of bread. Yes, because on one Thursday at sunset, Jesus spoke confusing words about bread and wine: “Take and eat; this is my body.”
He breaks no one; he breaks himself. He asks for nothing; he offers everything. In the last supper, it was he, the broken bread for us to feed. Emmaus embarks disciples into a greater mission.