The Spirit led me back to the small community of disciples. All of them had seen my Son, Jesus, risen from the dead. All had stories to tell, like the two disciples who were leaving Jerusalem, discouraged and downcast, with their hopes shattered.

Jesus appeared to them on their way home to Emmaus. They did not recognize him because he hid his real likeness from them. He asked what they were discussing, even though he already knew. They could not believe that there was anyone in Jerusalem who did not know the event of how their leaders handed Jesus over to be killed.

Now, they had heard rumors that the tomb was empty and some had even gone there and saw that this was true. They were crushed because they were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel.

Jesus began to speak with them, saying that the Messiah had to suffer to enter into his glory and he pointed out all the sayings in scripture. As they came to their village, Jesus pretended to go on farther, but they invited him to stay (still not knowing who he was). While they were at supper, Jesus again took bread, blessed it and gave it to them, just as he had done at the Last Supper. With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Then Jesus disappeared from their sight because his task had been accomplished. The two disciples came back quickly to Jerusalem to tell their story. The other disciples were already rejoicing. They knew the Lord was risen and had appeared to Peter.

O reader, I invite you to join this community and to become a member of the Catholic Church. It is founded upon the apostles and it keeps alive the stories of Jesus’ appearances to the early Church. In the Church, you are in contact with Jesus who always dwells in the midst of the gathered believers. These events live on. They carry the power of Jesus’ resurrection and the presence of God’s grace. I loved to be with the early Church and I remain present in today’s Church. I will meet you there.