Scott Hahn reflected on the Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter in a message released on Apr. 17. He encouraged readers to consider themselves in the place of the disciples traveling to Emmaus, describing their confusion and inability to understand recent events.
The reflection highlights how the disciples, despite witnessing Jesus’ deeds and hoping he would redeem Israel, struggled to comprehend his death. Hahn said that even as Jesus joined them on their journey, they did not recognize him until after recounting how his tomb was found empty.
Hahn wrote that recognition comes when Jesus reveals himself by interpreting Scripture and breaking bread with them—actions that mirror those at the Last Supper. “In every Eucharist, we reenact that Easter Sunday at Emmaus. Jesus reveals himself to us in our journey. He speaks to our hearts in the Scriptures. Then at the table of the altar, in the person of the priest, he breaks the bread,” Hahn said.
He further noted that Peter also opened Scripture in other readings from Acts and Epistles to explain Christ’s death according to God’s plan. The reflection draws parallels between Jesus and figures such as Moses and David from earlier scriptures.
Hahn concluded by emphasizing ongoing presence through Eucharist: “Though he has vanished from our sight, in the Eucharist — as at Emmaus — we know him in the breaking of the bread.” Scott Hahn is founder of St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.
