Tractatus Alter, Pars Prior, Cap. 11. De apparitione Christi in specie peregrini coram duobus discipulis euntibus

Tractatus Alter, Pars Prior, Cap. 11. De apparitione Christi in specie peregrini coram duobus discipulis euntibus

In Emmaus. I give you thanks, Lord Jesus Christ, way, truth, and life, our salvation and redemption, for your gracious appearance in the form of a stranger before your two disciples as they walked along the way, taking on the guise of an unknown traveler, so that you might lead back the wandering sheep to the heavenly Jerusalem and instruct them perfectly through your kind visitation. O how kindly you joined yourself to them on the road, as they were deeply saddened by your passion, speaking not of worldly wars and trivialities, but of your good deeds, holy words, and miracles. But because they were still doubting about your resurrection, which had already taken place, and they held nothing certain regarding the accounts of others and the visions of angels, they were very troubled until the clearer truth became evident to them. And who could teach them better or assure them about their doubts, except you, Jesus, good Master, way, truth, and life, by clearly showing yourself to them and giving them the most notable sign by breaking bread? And it happened this way. For soon, as you approached and accompanied them like a stranger and unaware, you asked them about the cause of their great sadness, saying: "Who are these two who walk together and are so troubled?" So I praise you and glorify your sweet name magnificently for such a familiar conversation with these two disciples, who were traveling and deeply troubled in heart, perplexed about everything you did in your passion and the damnation of death, as you consoled and instructed them excellently with reasons and authorities from the sacred scriptures in the Law, the Psalms, and the prophets concerning you, truly fulfilling. I praise and thank you, most worthy Jesus, for each of the words discussed there, which you have explained and made clear, words that were previously obscure and wrapped in various figures, and only a few of which were revealed. I bless you, O holy of holies, most holy Jesus Christ, teacher of teachers and master of all laws and decrees, who once opened the mouths of the prophets and now, through yourself, have deigned to reveal the hidden things of Scripture to the little and unlearned, so that they may believe in you in all your words and deeds. Oh, how filled with joy are their faces while you speak, and how their hearts are set ablaze with love as you reveal the hidden truths of divine words, because there is no one like you among the lawmakers and interpreters of mysteries. Oh, how light you made that journey for them, how joyful that hour, how delightful that day until evening, when you entered their home and they prepared a table for you. Oh, how earnestly they asked you to dine with them, wanting to hear even more from you throughout the entire night. Why? For you have never spoken so excellently, man, upon the earth, as this traveler speaks. No prophet, king, priest, or Levite, nor anyone from the sons and disciples of the prophets who performed wonders and taught divine truths, can compare to you, O stranger, in teaching. And so we ask you: Stay with us, Lord. It's getting late; don't go any further, because evening is approaching, and the day is already leaning toward dusk. Speak to us further; we’re not weary or asleep, but we gladly listen to you and desire to do what you say. Your words are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb, and more precious than gold and silver. Nothing desirable can be compared to them. Oh, if only I had been present then and could have secretly walked with Jesus at His side, following Him closely, and carefully listened to all the words of my Lord Jesus Christ, storing them diligently in my heart to meditate on them often and to always grow in wisdom, while avoiding every idle word with those who are harmful to me. But since I can't have you physically with me, Lord, grant that I may be able to possess you spiritually, whether in my cell, at the table, in leisure, in work, alone, or with a companion, so that I may always have you before my eyes as if you were truly present, seeing everything and walking with me on the way, inspiring me with many good things. You who live, etc.