Father Joseph Illo, pastor of star of the Sea parish in San Francisco, gave an 11-minute homily on Sunday, April 19.

We hear this Gospel on Emmaus twice. These two disciples are leaving Jerusalem. The disappearance of Jesus’ body was not enough proof for them. Then Jesus sidles up to them and tells of the predictions of Jesus’ suffering.

How is it that Cleopus does not recognize Jesus? Because He hides his natural appearance. St. John Henry Newman said only by faith do we know him. “He vanished from sight so that we can see him in the sacrament.” He comes with them to an inn, where Jesus takes bread and breaks it. Then they see Him and recognize Him. The consolation is that He is always with us.

The two disciples race back to Jerusalem…. Take that fire from the Mass to the world.