Sheena George
Emmaus is a small town located about seven
miles from Jerusalem.
We are very familiar with the Bible passage that narrates the walk of two
followers of Jesus from Jerusalem
to Emmaus. This episode is an eye-opener in the real sense.
Bible explains how two of the followers of
Jesus were discussing about the happenings in Jerusalem
associated with the death of Jesus. They might have talked about the capture, trial and
crucifixion of Jesus. Although Jesus joined them as a stranger, they couldn’t
recognize Him. Jesus explained the scriptures about Himself.
The mystery now unfolds. At the end of
the journey, Jesus agreed to stay with them. At the dinner table, Jesus took the
bread, blessed it and gave to them. Their eyes were opened suddenly and they
recognized Jesus. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared
from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within
us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” says
Luke 24:31-32.
This event shows us clearly that reading,
studying and meditating the scripture alone cannot reveal the fullness of Jesus
to us. But as we receive sacraments He will reveal Himself in totality. The
Church offers the sacraments through which we are able to abide in Him.
Theologians say that this encounter
between Jesus and the two followers and the breaking of bread at the dinner
table constitute the fundamental structure of the Mass.
Early believers
– people who followed the teachings of Jesus soon after his crucifixion –
followed it. The point to note is that followers of disciples only recognized
him during the breaking of the bread. “They devoted
themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with
awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in
common. They sold property and possessions to
give to anyone who had need. Every
day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in
their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,” says Acts of Apostles 2:42-46 written by Luke.
But my Protestant brothers have different interpretations
and explanations. It’s a futile exercise to argue with them on this count as
New Testament was twisted by some of them to suit and support their
explanations and arguments.
According to the Catechism of Catholic Church
(CCC). the liturgy of the Eucharist unfolds according to a fundamental
structure which has been preserved throughout the centuries down to our own
day. It displays two great parts that form a fundamental unity: the gathering, the liturgy of the Word, with
readings, homily and general intercessions; the liturgy of the Eucharist, with
the presentation of the bread and wine, the consecratory thanksgiving, and
communion.
The
liturgy of the Word and liturgy of the Eucharist together form "one single
act of worship"; the Eucharistic table set for us is the table both of the
Word of God and of the Body of the Lord. The Church has celebrated Mass with
fidelity over the last several centuries. It continues.