Session 4: Mission

0:00

Paths We Left Behind

Center of Attention x We Dream of Eden

The end of our journey with the disciples of Emmaus is really the beginning of a new one: their return to the community in Jerusalem, after recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Now imagine yourself in His presence — Jesus, as Pope Francis teaches us, “the face of the Father’s mercy.” Let Him look at you with compassion… and allow that gaze to enter within you, opening your heart to a deeper stillness and a quiet readiness to be with Him.

1:19

Let us enter the final verses of the Gospel of St. Luke and meet the disciples of Emmaus as they leave the table and return to the community.

Luke 24:30-35

When Jesus 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 recognised him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

2:38

At the table, Jesus gives us new eyes to recognize God’s presence in the world. As we begin to see Him more clearly, we are able to love and serve Him in all things. Does this speak to you? Can you recall a moment when you recognized God’s presence in your life?

God’s presence in the world is like broken bread — given to nourish everyone. He is always giving Himself, so that all may have life in its fullness. With the disciples of Emmaus, recall a grace you have received — a moment when God’s life truly nourished you and helped you live more fully. Give thanks.

God’s presence touches everything. As the hymn ‘Look at the World’ says: “All that we need and cherish comes from the Lord, we are His hands, stewards of all His bounty.” Similarly, the disciples of Emmaus recognized God’s closeness in Jesus’ friendship, in the warmth of the afternoon sun, in a good conversation, and at the shared table. What signs of His goodness come to your mind right now? Give thanks.

God’s presence is active — like a craftsperson at work, shaping something unique within your heart, forming you to be a person for others. After recognizing Jesus, the disciples realized their hearts were already burning within them — God was at work. And He is at work now, within and around you. The fruits of the Spirit help us notice this quiet presence: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (cf. Gal 5:22–23). Have you experienced any of these fruits — during this retreat or in recent days? What desires do they awaken in you?

After recognizing Jesus and realizing that God’s Spirit had set their hearts on fire, the disciples set out on mission. We see the same movement in many Christians throughout the centuries. For instance, Thérèse of Lisieux, speaking of the action of the Holy Spirit, writes: “a soul that is burning with love cannot remain inactive” (Story of a Soul). Has this time of prayer — walking with Jesus toward Emmaus — awakened a new fire within your heart? Take a few moments now to speak with Jesus about it.

10:42

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.