Today is the Third Sunday of Easter. The Gospel reading is Luke’s narrative concerning how two travellers met with Jesus on their journey to Emmaus. The key to this narrative is the way in which the two travellers eventually recognised Jesus for who he is. Jesus was recognised in one of the very ordinary events of life, sharing bread. But at the same time Jesus gave this ordinary event extraordinary significance by those characteristic four actions seen at the feeding of the five thousand and at the last supper. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of sharing bread. In today’s picture from their book, Bread, Aled and Sian are sharing a loaf of bread over their breakfast table. For them it is an everyday activity. For Jesus’ disciples this everyday activity took on a new significance.
Risen Lord Jesus,
you made yourself known to the disciples
on the way to Emmaus.
Come among us now
and make yourself know to us
in the breaking of bread;
for you are our God,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. In the Gospel reading from John, Jesus says, ‘I am the good shepherd’. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is sheep. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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Second Sunday of Easter – Exploring the Sunday Gospel