The Companion of Our Souls
When the two disciples recognized Jesus as he broke the bread for them in their house in Emmaus, he “vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:31). The recognition and the disappearance of Jesus are one and the same event.
Why? Because the disciples recognized that their Lord Jesus, the Christ, now lives in them… that they have become Christ-bearers. Therefore, Jesus no longer sits across the table from them as the stranger, the guest, the friend with whom they can speak and whom they can receive good counsel.
He has become one with them. He has given them his own Spirit of Love. Their companion on the journey has become the companion of their souls. They are alive, yet it is no longer them, but Chris living in them (see Galatians 2:20).
This is an excerpt from a book Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen. If you would like to buy this book please click here.