They set out on their homeward road, the two disciples lost and sad, re-living still the episode when all was lost and life made bad: an ugly cross had been the end of Christ the perfect man and friend. A stranger joined them as they walked that he their company might share; he listened to them as they talked of broken hope and great despair. And then the stranger made reply that Christ the Lord was bound to die. He spoke of Moses and his days of Egypt and the promised land, recalled the prophets and their ways, the leadings of the father-hand. At journey's end, to food and rest, they made him feel a welcome guest. Invited in and honored most to take his place at table's head, the stranger-guest became the host* by saying grace and breaking bread. Then suddenly they knew that Christ had made their common meal a feast. O Jesus, come again, we pray, and share with us the things we do. Be our companion on our way, let Easter in our homes come true. And let our life and work proclaim the power of your living name. * Host: One who entertains a stranger; the consecrated bread in the sacrament.