The National Catholic Review Third Sunday of Easter (B), May 4,
2003 He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (Lk
24:45)  The Gospels are filled with stories about Jesus sharing
meals. Each story tells us something more than that he was
hungry. Some of them illustrate his observance of Passover (Lk
17:35); others depict him as a dinner guest at the homes of
Simon the Pharisee or Jesus’ friend Martha (Lk 7:36; 10:40).
There is even mention that Jesus was criticized for eating and
not fasting as did John the Baptist. Today’s Gospel opens with
two disciples reporting how they recognized Jesus “in the
breaking of the bread.” The story recounts how Jesus ate with
the disciples in order to reassure them.   Why did they need
reassurance? Because they were terrified when the risen Jesus
stood in their midst. The Gospel paints a tender scene. Jesus
first comforts them with words of peace. Then, in order to prove
that he is not a ghost, he asks to eat with them. Like so many
other “appearance” stories, this a