Gospel: (Luke 24:13-35) 

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had happened.  And while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them. …and then Jesus said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  Then beginning with the Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. …They urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” …While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.  Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened Scriptures to us?

Reflection:                       

The disciples had given up hope, they were confused and downcast.  But they still had a spark within them and their hearts burned as they once again heard the Scriptures.  But they could not see, could not understand.  It was only their hospitality, “Stay with us”, in the spaciousness of their reaching out to the Stranger and offering what they could give that their eyes were opened.  Our daily reaching out to our neighbor is our daily walk with the risen Christ; we recognize him in others. (Living Liturgy, p.126)

Vincentian Meditation: 

“Help honors when to the bread that nourishes it adds the visit that consoles, the advice that enlightens, the friendly shake of the hand that lifts up the sinking courage; when it treats the poor man with respect, not only as an equal but as a superior, since he is suffering what perhaps we are incapable of suffering; since he is the messenger of God to us, sent to prove our justice and our charity, and to save us by our works.”-Frederic Ozanam- (Ramson, Praying with Frederic, p. 93)

Discussion:    (Share your thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence) 

When have you found “your hearts burning within you” as you served the poor with the hospitality and “honor” in the spirit of Frederic?

Closing Prayer: 

Lord, through your resurrection hope was given to the world,

–strengthen us to be hope for others.

For those who live in fear and loneliness,

-enable us to be peace for others.

For the sick and the dying,

-ignite our hearts to be love for others.  Amen