Finally, the depiction of Jesus himself in this story bears a striking resemblance to other accounts of his postresurrection appearances. Just as Mary had mistaken him for a gardener earlier that morning, and as seven of his closest friends would fail to recognize him a few days later on the shores of Galilee, so too, here on the road to Emmaus, the walkers fail to recognize the Lord. His appearance seems to have changed. It’s also the way he speaks. Again and again, the resurrected Jesus approaches his friends with playful questions. He greets Mary with, “Woman, why are you crying?” He greets
...more
