In The Breaking Of Bread

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Third Sunday of Easter

Today's Readings:
[ Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Ps 116:1-3, 10-17; 1 Pet 1:17-23; Lk 24:13-35 ]

The road to Emmaus may be one of the most theologically important resurrection stories. Two disciples walking away in disappointment, their hope buried with the cross. “We had hoped…” is the quiet confession of hearts that cannot yet see what God is doing. And yet, it is precisely on that road, on the way away, that Christ meets them.

From a Franciscan perspective, God does not wait for us to arrive at clarity or holiness before drawing near. Instead, like Christ walking beside the disciples, God meets us in our confusion, our grief, and even in our retreat. The Incarnation itself is the great “coming alongside,” and the risen Christ continues this humble companionship.

Notice how their eyes are opened: not in argument, not in proof, but “in the breaking of the bread”. For St. Francis, the Eucharist was the place of profound encounter, the humble Christ made present again, hidden yet real. The same Lord who walked dusty roads now gives himself in simple bread. Creation, in Franciscan theology, is always sacramental, God revealing himself through the ordinary.

This theme echoes in Acts, where Peter calls the people to “repent, and be baptized”, inviting them into a transformed life. And in 1 Peter, we are reminded that we were ransomed “not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ”. Our response is not mere belief, but a turning of the whole life back toward God, back toward love.

The Psalmist’s words—“I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice”—feel like the natural response of the Emmaus disciples once their eyes are opened. Love follows recognition.

Today’s invitation is simple: walk honestly, even if your heart feels slow to believe. Christ is nearer than you think: beside you in the journey, present in the ordinary, and waiting to be recognized in the breaking of the bread.

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