Cleopas

Luk. xxiv. 13—35.CLEOPAS, according to the antient Fathers, who speak of him¹, was brother to Joseph, and both of them the Sons of Jacob. He was the Father of S. Simeon Bishop of Jerusalem, of S. James the lesser, of S. Jude, and Joseph or Joses. Cleopas married Mary Sister to the Blessed Virgin: So that he was Uncle to Jesus Christ, and his Sons were Cousin Germans to our Saviour. Cleopas, his Wife and his Sons were some of the faithful Disciples of Jesus Christ, and of their number, who looked upon him as the Redeemer and Salvation of Israel. But Cleopas did not sufficiently understand the mystery of the Cross, and what Jesus had so often told his Disciples, that it was expedient that he should die, and return unto his Father. Cleopas having beheld our Saviour expire upon the Cross, lost all hopes of seeing the Kingdom of God established by his means upon Earth.

He departed from Jerusalem two days after our Saviour’s death; that is to say, on the very day of his Resurrection; and as he was going to Emmaus with another Disciple², while they were entertaining themselves with what had passed during the Feast, particularly with respect to Jesus Christ, our Saviour joined them in the form of a Traveller, asked what they were discoursing upon, and encouraged them, convincing them from the Scriptures, that it was necessary Christ should suffer death. When they came near Emmaus, Jesus made a shew as if he intended to go farther: But Cleopas and his Companion detained him, and made him sup with them. Jesus, while they were at Table, took Bread and blessed it, brake it, and presented some of it to them. Hereupon their Eyes were opened, and they knew him: But he disappeared and left them.

Immediately they returned to Jerusalem, and sought for the Disciples, whom they found assembled in the same place. They related what had happened to them. The Apostles and Disciples in their turn declared to them the reason which they had for believing Christ’s Resurrection, and how he had appeared to Peter. While they were yet talking, Jesus appeared standing in the midst of them, tho’ the Doors were shut. He saluted, blessed and encouraged them, shewed them the wounds in his Hands and Feet, eat in their presence, expounded the Scriptures to them, and directed them to go and preach the Gospel throughout the World.

We do not know particularly the actions of S. Cleopas during the remainder of his Life. But Usuardus and Ado tell us, that he suffered Martyrdom, and was buried in the same house where he had received Jesus Christ at his Table. It is indeed the opinion of S. Jerom,³ that Cleopas abode generally at Emmaus, and that it was in this house that he invited our Saviour to continue with him. Some believe, that afterwards a Church was built there. But supposing Cleopas to have been the Brother of Joseph, and Father of S. James, S. Jude, Simon and Joses, it is more probable that he was a Galilæan, and that his habitation was in some City of Galilee. However this may be, the Latins honour Cleopas as a Saint upon the twenty fifth of September. The Greeks make mention of him on the thirteenth of October, or rather on the thirtieth, and give him the Title of Apostle.

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