FIFTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord is Recognized in the Breaking of the Bread

We adore You, O Christ

and we praise You! 

Because by the Wood of the Cross and

the Light of the Resurrection, 

You have redeemed the world!

Reading:  " ...They urged Him, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.'  So He went in to stay with them.  And it happened that while He was with them at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight.  Then they said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us'" (Luke 24: 29-32).

Reflection:  The encounter on the road leads to the table, the breaking of the bread and the total gift of self.  Recognition of the Risen Lord is always linked with the Eucharist.  At the heart of our Christian life is this meal of Word and Eucharist which we celebrate every Sunday.  The Risen Lord presides over all our journeys, wishing to set our hearts on fire in generous service to all people in need, near and far.  The gift we have received is the gift we share.  Humbly, we set out on the various roads of our lives to respond to all the hungers of the human family.

Silence

Prayer:  You are truly blessed, O God of holiness: You accompany us with love as we journey through life. Blessed too, is Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is present among us, and whose love gathers us together.  As once He did for His disciples, Christ now opens the Scriptures for us and breaks the bread. May the Eucharist we celebrate guide us to the fullness of Christ's life. We pray in the power of Christ's Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

All:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
When Thomas, first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the Risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples' word.  Alleluia.

NEXT:  SIXTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Appears to the Community of Disciples