Our reflection today is by Triona Doherty

Gioraíonn beirt bóthar - the Irish proverb roughly translates as 'two people shorten the road for each other'. The presence and company of others makes all the difference on a journey. Anyone who has climbed Croagh Patrick, walked the Camino in Spain or gone backpacking abroad will know the importance of encounters with fellow travelers. Storytelling and shared meals are the bits and pieces that forge friendships along the way.

It is only a couple of days since Jesus was crucified. We're told Emmaus is around seven miles from Jerusalem - a couple of hours walk. I imagine that the two disciples, Cleopas and his friend, were relieved to get away from Jerusalem, to get out of the city and have time for a chat about all that had happened. When this 'stranger' falls into step with them, their disbelief that he has not heard about the dramatic days leading up to the death of Jesus and the reports of the empty tomb, shows just how fresh the events are in their minds.

But this meeting is no ordinary encounter. While the disciples believe they are speaking with a learned stranger, it is not until they invite him to stay with them and he breaks bread with them that they recognise Jesus. Thinking back it now makes sense to them; 'Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?' they wonder, and they rush back to Jerusalem to share their story. When was the last time your heart burned within you?