God’s “far greater plan” on the road to Emmaus.
About 10 years ago, I purchased as the central piece of art for my remodeled living room, a print of Robert Zund’s painting “The Road to Emmaus,” the subject of today’s Gospel. It’s one of my favorite paintings, depicting one of my favorite bible passages.
This beautiful work of art stunningly portrays Jesus with two of his disciples on the day rose He from the dead. The disciples were downcast, “hoping that He would be the one to redeem Israel,” i.e, free the Jews from the Roman occupation… something inferior to God’s “far greater plan” to free them from sin and death in the New Creation.
Sometimes we can unknowingly take on the “Old Creation” perspective of the two disciples when, after persistent prayer, we become downcast because God has not relieved our suffering or the suffering of a loved one. Sometimes God does answer prayers miraculously. But He answers prayers in one of three ways: 1. Yes. 2. Not yet. or 3. I have a far greater plan.
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus reveals his Father’s “far greater plan”: God brings good from evil and suffering. “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things AND (emphasis added) enter into his glory?” It’s not “either-or” (either suffering or glory), but “both-and” (both suffering and glory). Confidence in God’s love for us in the midst of our suffering is how Jesus interpreted the entire Old Testament: “Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:26-27). After this Liturgy of the Word, Jesus proceeded to the Liturgy of the Eucharist: “He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” (Luke 24:30-31).
What does all this mean for you and me? YOU AND I ARE THE TWO DISCIPLES on the road to Emmaus! Today’s Resurrection gospel is the story of you and me: Jesus’ disciples at the Catholic Mass. Jesus comes along side us (particularly when we ask Him to). He opens our hearts to hear his Word and our eyes to His Real Presence in the breaking of the bread, even in our suffering.
At the Offertory during Mass, when we offer to God our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings, let us take confidence in knowing that God loves us and that He will bring good from evil and suffering. And at the Dismissal, let us, like the two disciples, “Go forth” and share this good news—the Gospel—to those we know and love: “Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.” (Luke 24:35).
Peace in Christ,
Father Jim
