ROAD TO EMMAUS

Ubi Caritas CP#553 Ubi caritas et amor, ubi caritas Deus ibi est. Live in charity and steadfast love, Live in charity; God will dwell with you.

Reading from the Gospel of Luke. 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles * from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. * 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’

19 He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, * who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. * Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.

24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ 25 Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah * should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church (Luke 24 : 13-27)

Reading: Luke 24 : 13-27

Reflection: The disciples only come to recognize the Risen Lord among them in the hospitality of welcoming a stranger into their midst. Today, perhaps more than ever, welcoming the stranger, welcoming the other, welcoming the unknown, welcoming what we don’t understand, welcoming the one of whom we are afraid — this is not easy. So many barriers are easily placed between us and others. We tell ourselves comforting stories about why we should or shouldn’t welcome this or that person, pay attention or be concerned with another, be justified or entitled to fear or despise another, but the journey on the Road to Emmaus tells us something very different.

Prayer: Lord, it is in welcoming the stranger that you reveal glorious revelations. It is in welcoming the stranger that you open our eyes and provide meaning to our faith. In that welcome we meet our Risen Lord. Amen Leader: The Celtic Christians believed that hospitality was not only meant to be a custom in their homes, they believed it was a key into the Kingdom of God. To offer hospitality was seen as receiving Christ into their midst and fulfilling the law of love. Let us sit in silent prayer for a moment to remind ourselves of the incredible hospitality of God who invites us into His presence and into His family

All stand for lighting of the candle Leader: The Lord is knocking. If thou would’st have thy share of heaven on earth, lift the latch and let in the king of Kings.

1. Christ as a light illumine and guide us 2. Christ as a shield overshadow us 3. Christ under me, Christ over us, 4. Christ beside us, On our left and our right 5. This day be within and without us 6. Lowly and meek yet all-powerful 7. Be in the heart of each to whom we speak 8. In the mouth of each who speaks to us 9. This day be within and without us 10. Lowly and meek yet all-powerful 11. Christ as a light, Christ as a shield 12. Christ beside us, on our left and our right

Leader: I open my heart to Christ in the stranger, All: To Christ in the face of colleague and friend, Leader: I open my heart to the one who is wounded All: To Christ in the hungry, the lonely, the homeless Leader: I open my heart to the one who has hurt me All: To Christ in the faces of sinner and foe Leader: I open my heart to those who are outcast All: To Christ in the broken, the prisoner, the poor

Leader: I open my heart to all who are searching All: To Christ in the world God’s generous gift All: I open my heart to be the hospitality of Christ, to all those who come to my door. I open my heart to Christ in all I meet along my way. I open my heart to embrace the stranger, the friend, the rich, the poor. I open my life to offer a generous heart towards all. I open my mind to the possibility that if You are not recognized in the stranger, I may not recognize you in the Breaking of Bread.

Ubi Caritas Ubi caritas et amor, ubi caritas Deus ibi est. Live in charity and steadfast love, Live in charity; God will dwell with you.