Today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark describes the 7-mile walk two disciples took on the road to Emmaus. Jesus appeared to them. He walked and talked with them for the duration of the journey. That evening Jesus sat with them and broke bread… and then vanished from their sight.

Biblical scholars have described today’s Gospel as “The most beautiful of all the appearance stories,” and suggested that it seems almost blasphemous for homilists to lay hands on it. “With this warning ringing in my ears,” says Father Jerry, “I’d like to share one of my favorite stories.” The story is called Bamboo. See it below.