Two were Bound for Emmaus

This is a hymn about the Eucharist and faith in times of difficulty.  It is based the events when Jesus was recognised on the road to Emmaus shortly after the resurrection, as told in Luke 24:13-35 and the miraculous draught of fish (John 21:1-19).   

It was written by American Roman Catholic liturgical musician and composer Bob Hurd (b 1950).  First released in 2000 / 2001, it was published by OCP Publications. Sheet music is still available from them:- see links below.

With meter 11 13 13 13, it is set to a tune, also by Hurd, named KENMARE. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of c, the first few notes of the melody are CD ED F G E   This is a gentle lyrical tune, which has the style of a traditional Irish air.

Hymnals where it has been published include:

• Glory & Praise, Third Edition, OCP Publication, 2015
• Journeysongs 2nd edition (2003) and 3rd edition (2012) 
• Spirit & Song Hymnal, OCP/Spirit and Song, 2013

It has also been included in several of the annually published missal series (various years), including Choose Christ missal, Heritage missal, Breaking Bread.

Image based on Der Gang nach Emmaus, Fritz von Uhde (1891)

Downloads

Buy sheet music from OCP

Examples

Singer, self-accompanied on guitar:

Singer with piano and guitar - professional recording:

Folk choir with organ:

Instrumental - piano:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1  Two were bound for Emmaus, disheartened and lost ...

2. On the Sea of Tiberius, when the night was nearly gone ...

3. Then they knew it was Jesus and they hastened in to shore ...

4. When the road makes us weary, when our labour seems but loss ...

See more ...

• Hymns about the Eucharist
• Hymns about the road to Emmaus

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
1  Two were bound for Emmaus, disheartened and lost;
all their hope for the future had been nailed to a cross.
Love unknown then walked beside them,
come back from the dead,
and they knew he was risen in the breaking of bread.

2. On the Sea of Tiberius, when the night was nearly gone
and their toil seemed so useless, not one fish had they caught,
from the shore the stranger called to them:
"Cast your net, friends, once more."
And they filled it to bursting, but the net was not torn.

3. Then they knew it was Jesus and they hastened in to shore;
bread and fish for their breakfast from the hands of their Lord.
"O Peter, if you love me you must care for my sheep;
if you follow your Shepherd, then a shepherd you'll be."

4. When the road makes us weary, when our labor seems but loss,
when the fire of faith weakens and too high seems the cost,
let the Church turn to its risen Lord,
who for us bore the cross,
and we'll find our hearts burning at the sound of his voice.