Today’s Gospel from Luke (24:13-35) recounts the appearance of Jesus to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Like yesterday’s account of the Lord’s appearance to Mary Magdalene in John’s Gospel, this account highlights Jesus exercising the office of consoler. While the disciples are struggling with their shattered hopes along the way, Jesus himself draws near, listens to their story, opens the Scriptures to them, and finally reveals himself to them in the breaking of the bread.
Jesus’ actions toward the disciples are both a mirror of what he does for each one of us as well as a model to follow in accompanying others. Jesus is near to us whenever we are suffering, and he desires to console us and offer himself to us through his Word and his sacraments. When we find ourselves in a position like these disciples, seemingly lost and without hope, we can approach the Lord with and trust that he will reveal himself to us. Similarly, when we encounter another who is suffering, we can follow the same pattern: to draw near, to listen, to offer the consolation of the Scriptures, and to encourage the other to encounter and recognize Christ in the Sacraments.