Luke 24:28-34

“Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” vs. 35

What happened at the table in Emmaus is one of the most insightful stories in all of scripture. Just hearing Jesus interpret the scripture wasn’t enough to open the eyes of Cleopas and his wife! They’d learned a lot of stuff as they walked along the road with the stranger, but it wasn’t until the bread was broken that they actually knew they’d been walking with Jesus!

That’s why, from the very beginning Christian congregations haven’t just been organized bible study groups. Knowledge of scripture is important, and can give direction to our lives, but Holy Communion is where eyes are opened and hearts transformed. It’s here that we receive the assurance of forgiveness, and in the bread and wine, we actually taste the living presence of Jesus. It’s here that the Word becomes flesh and grace is poured into our lives.

There are some who think of Holy Communion as a wonderful metaphor and a moving memory of the Last Supper, but it is so much more than that. Not that it can be easily explained, it will always be a great mystery, but something really does happen in the eating and in the drinking. This is the most powerful Christ encounter that we can ever experience. While many times it seems routine, it’s at the Table where eyes can be opened and we can see Jesus!

Thought for the Day: What does the eating and drinking mean for me?