Jesus appeared to “two disciples” who were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem when they encountered the risen Christ. He began to walk with them, but “their eyes were prevented from recognizing him” (Luke 24). After, he interpreted for them all that referred to him “in all the Scriptures.” As they approached the village, they asked him to stay with them, and while he was at table with them, he “took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.” Later, the two recounted to the other disciples what had taken place, and how “he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

The celebrations of the Holy Triduum are still fresh in our minds and hearts. Remember that it was at the Last Supper (that we remember on Holy Thursday) that Jesus broke bread with the disciples and said, “do this is memory of me.”

Obviously, gathering to break bread to remember was an essential ritual that Jesus left for his disciples, and to us. Recall as well the reading in today’s Gospel, from John. Jesus appears to his disciples again, and fed them breakfast: “Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish.”

These days of confinement and isolation can be seen as opportunities to “remember” at a time when communities and families may be sharing more meals than ever. When we gather with those we love, and prepare, serve, and consume the “work of human hands” let us remember in intentional ways, the sacrifices being made all around us. Let us hold up in prayer the thousands of health care workers. Let us remember the grocery clerks and the people trying to keep the shelve stocked for us.  Let us remember the sacrifices parents are making for their children. Let us remember all of those working in “essential services” so the rest of us can live through a daily emergency.

More importantly, let us remember that the resurrection tells us that in all deaths, we will ultimately experience life. We are a Resurrection people. Remember.