Things to talk about:

• Why were the disciples frustrated and discouraged at the beginning of today’s Gospel story?
• In what way does today’s story remind you of Mass?
• Discuss what the feeling of “burning hearts” might feel like. Did you ever feel a connection with a person you just met but felt like you knew them forever?

Things to do:

• The story of Emmaus reminds us that we never know when and how we will encounter Christ. He may appear in a stranger who smiles at us or in someone who needs our help or in the words of a song that brings us joy or comfort. This week, pay attention to the presence of Christ in places where you might not expect to find him. At the end of the week, share how you encountered Christ.
• Take a walk, rest and read today’s Gospel and discuss. Share some bread. The Gospel tells us that the walking distance between Jerusalem and Emmaus is seven miles. See if you can walk a total of seven miles this week. 
• Find the Paschal Candle in church. What do you see on it? What makes it different than any other candle in the Church?
• Complete the crossword puzzle about the Road to Emmaus, Click HERE.
  
   
   

Closing Prayer

Emmaus Prayer (adapted)

Lord, as we walk down the journey of life, we ask that you would be our constant companion, especially on those days when we are disheartened or when we have strayed off your path. When we are downcast, we ask that you lift our spirits. When we are confused, we ask that you enlighten our minds. When we are disappointed, we ask that you give us hope.

Name anyone who needs prayer, reply, “Lord, hear our prayers.”  Close with the Sign of the Cross.     

Catholic Insight

Jesus existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit since before the beginning of time. His death and Resurrection are foretold in the Scriptures (CCC648, 652). Jesus opens the eyes of the disciples on the way to Emmaus by explaining how the prophets spoke of him and by breaking bread with them, as at the Last Supper.

Notice the two disciples had to do something to recognize Jesus, they invited him to stay. We too have to invite Jesus into our lives, be open to seeing Jesus so that we can recognize him. If we shut ourselves off from people or ignore the beauty of nature, or choose not to go to Mass, we limit the many ways Christ wants to reveal himself to us. Christ is real and alive, present in the Eucharist the same way for us today that he was present to the disciples he met on the road. Once we encounter him, our hearts are burning to share his love with everyone we meet.

Additional key concepts for this week:

Real Presence– The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, constituting a real, not figurative, presence. Jesus Christ is literally and substantially present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—in the Holy Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine. Through consecration at Mass, the substance changes into Christ (transubstantiation), while the appearances remain. Read more…

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection