WIth that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  04/19/2026  |  The WORD in other words

One of the most dramatic appearance stories of Jesus in the Gospels is the appearance of Jesus on the road to Emmaus. The two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus, sad, disgruntled and downcast. Why? Because their expectation of Jesus from Nazareth whom they considered as a prophet with mighty word and deed before God and people was not met. And they were hoping that he would redeem Israel and how the chief priests and scribes handed him to be crucified.

Jesus joined them on the road, but they were prevented from recognizing him because of their feelings of frustration and sadness. The recognition of a resurrected body primarily depends on Jesus, his actions and how deep the faith and love that the person has on Jesus. We have seen in John, the beloved...Jesus scolded the disciples (Cleopas and unnamed disciple) when he says: "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all the prophets spoke. Was it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (Luke 24:27) He explained and interpreted to them all what is written about him from Moses all the prophets.

As they were approaching the village, the two disciples invited him (the stranger) to be with them. "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over. (Luke 4:29) Jesus joined them. And while he was at table, Jesus took the bread, said the blessing, broke and gave it to them and lo, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, and he vanished from their sight.

Haven't you realized that the appearance on the road to Emmaus is being replicated every Sunday whenever we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? The Mass is like a journey from the Word of God to the Holy Eucharist. Jesus accompanies us in and through the Liturgy of the Word from first reading, usually taken from the Old Testament, the Responsorial Psalm which is our thanksgiving response to the first reading, then we hear from the second reading and the proclamation of the Gospel, wherein Jesus directly speaks to us. The Homily of the priest is Jesus interpretation of the Word to us. Are our heart burning within us as we listen to God's word and the homily? After the liturgy of the Word, we are led to the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist from offertory, presentation of gifts, epiclesis and consecration, elevation of the host and the chalice, Eucharistic prayer, which culminates in the doxology. One of the highlights in the liturgy is the Communion, when we partake of his body and blood. This is the moment when Jesus remains in us, and we remain in him. To me, this is the moment when we really thank Jesus for his profound gift to us of his own flesh and blood, our real food on our journey towards the heavenly Emmaus.

Today's Gospel reading ought to inspire, convict and challenge us to appreciate and appropriate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Please come to Mass in your Sunday best, in proper disposition and with the desire and effort to fully participate in the responses and singing of the hymns. Prepare your "loveoffering" and give it with joy and cheerfulness. Adore Jesus during the consecration and elevation of the host and chalice. Say in your heart: "My Lord and my God" or "Have mercy on me a sinner"! Receive Jesus worthily at all times, in the state of grace with hunger and gratitude.