Session 3: The Eucharist

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pertranseo

Be Still the Earth

Our journey with the disciples of Emmaus rests today at a table — with three people… and a loaf of bread. Imagine yourself there. Rest your elbows on the wooden table… and remember: God is looking at you with immense love, and desires to share His own life with you. Take a moment to slow down… to become still… and to open your heart to His beautiful presence, where, as Pope Leo says, “joy is rekindled, energy returns, and gratitude comes back to memory”.

1:25

Let us enter into the second half of the narration of the disciples of Emmaus. Pay special attention to the gestures of Jesus.

Luke 24:13,15-16 and 27-31

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognising him.

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.

2:58

Jesus takes the initiative to draw close to a group of friends who, at first, do not recognize Him. He listens to them. He helps them see their own slowness of heart. He opens the Scriptures to them. And in the breaking of the bread… their eyes are opened. Jesus is never in a hurry. God does not impose His presence. Jesus waits for the disciples to tell Him: “Stay with us”. He is the visible face of God’s patience with us. Do you want to invite Jesus to stay with you today?

Every time a Christian community gathers to celebrate the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit makes the living presence of Jesus draw near to us — in the Scriptures, in the broken bread, and in the cup of salvation. Through words and gestures, our eyes are opened to recognize Him, and a new source of life is awakened within us. Have you ever experienced or desired this gift of the Spirit of Jesus?

Jesus journeys with His disciples — outside and within. And at the table, the journey continues inside. He welcomes all that they are living and transforms it with His Word, nourishing it with His presence. What do you want to entrust to Jesus today, so that He may transform it and nourish it?

By offering His Word in dialogue with our human hopes and anxieties and offering His Life by breaking the bread, the risen Christ is offering us a decisive light both for our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters. Can you imagine a society built upon dialogue and sharing? What would it be like?

Jesus has promised to remain with us until the end of time. He has identified Himself especially with the blessed Bread and Wine, and with the poor. “This is my Body” (Lk 22:19) “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to Me” (Mt 25:40). Where do you find it easier to recognise Him? And where is it more difficult? Speak to Jesus about this for a moment or two now.

10:41

Lord Jesus,

You have given everything to me —

Your Word, Your Presence, Your Friendship.

Now I give myself back to You,

because I desire to be available

for Your mission of compassion.

Give me only Your love and Your grace.

That’s enough for me.

Amen.