The Nazareth Page- A gospel meditation for your home

April 19, 2026 – Third Sunday of Easter - Luke 24:13-35

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Sharing a meal is one of the most common expressions of our shared humanity. From earliest times of human habitations archaeologists search for ancient remains that indicate sites where humans sat around a fire preparing and consuming food that was needed for their survival. In literally countless ways this custom of eating together represents more than just “refuelling” for life’s continued journey. It captures something essential to our lives. Sharing food with others contributes to human joy and solidarity. It strengthens relational bonds and provides moments of joy and gratitude.

So, it is not surprising that the gospels offer us many examples when sharing food is part of major sacred events. The wedding feast at Cana begins the public life of Jesus. The Last Supper contributes to its conclusion. And what we have in today’s gospel is that wondrous shared meal at Emmaus that gave additional evidence and meaning to the resurrection of Jesus.

My own interest in that event is summarized in the comment made at the end of that shared meal: they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

Some will say this is a description of a Eucharistic sharing and there is much to confirm that interpretation. There is the presence of Jesus (interestingly unrecognized at the beginning), as well as the shared conversation about the recent events involving the suffering and death of Jesus. Then, at the culmination of the meal and after deeper reflection, the two disciples (some biblical scholars have suggested that they might have been a married couple) realize that the one sharing the meal with them was the risen Christ. This leads us to wonder if this might have been as account of a very early eucharistic event.

But there’s more. What does this meal suggest about the many meals we experience with others. Of times when there is some semblance of a sacred “breaking of the bread.” I wonder whether this simple meal at Emmaus is a kind of template for the sacredness of all shared meals. There is that gospel passage where we learn that whenever two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, he is there in their midst. How helpful and inspiring is it for all who read these words to recall the many sacred meals that have been ours when food (and drink) is shared around a table in family gatherings or occasional meals (or just happy hour), with friends, neighbors, coworkers or even with strangers? Perhaps too many to count.  

David M. Thomas, PhD