Two of [Jesus’ disciples] went that same day to a village called Emmaus... And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people…We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel...Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. (Luke 24: 13-19, 21, 25-31, KJV)
In this week's Post-Resurrection icon, Cypriot Artist Charalambos Epaminonda depicts the moment when the two followers of Jesus recognize the stranger who has joined them on the road to be the Risen Christ. The narrative in the Gospel of Luke tells us their eyes were opened when he blessed and broke the bread at their meal, bringing to mind the way Jesus broke the bread and offered it to his disciples as his body given up for them at the Last Supper. As trees sway and birds flutter, the Risen Christ will vanish in the beam of light flooding the scene. (John Kohan)