Seen and unseen at Emmaus

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Schock's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a favorite of mine. I love the image of pilgrims traveling together, struggling to understand tragedy and loss. I love that Jesus enters the story as a pushy traveling companion who sidles up beside them and talks their ears off for the rest of the trip.

And I love that it's not Jesus' incisive exegesis of the promises in scripture that open the disciples' eyes to his identity. It is his presence with them at a shared meal—and the way he, the guest, presumes to pick up the bread, give thanks and offer it to them, the hosts—that finally tips them off.