Thoughts for the Day

The Walk to Emmaus

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We meet two men who are followers of Jesus. They are walking back home after spending the Passover in Jerusalem, and they are totally confused. Their hopes and dreams had been that Jesus a "prophet mighty in deed and word before God" was the Messiah, but now even though they know that the tomb was found empty that morning, no-one has seen Jesus. Cleopas and his friend have no idea to whom they are talking.

Theologians have speculated that the men are walking toward the setting sun, which dazzles them and is why they don't recognise Jesus. But another explanation might be that he looks different in some way, after all Mary Magdalene thought he was the gardener. Whatever the reason, they do not recognise Jesus even when he explains how the scriptures apply to himself. It's only when he breaks the bread at their meal that their eyes are opened. Something in the action may have reminded them of the time he broke the bread at the feeding of the 5,000 people perhaps, or did they see the marks of the crucifixion?

Lastly let us notice his courtesy. He makes to leave them and continue with his journey. He only stops when, Cleopas invites him to enter their home. It's no different today. Our Lord does not make his home in our hearts if we don't invite him in. All those who were baptised, but have fallen away from the faith, will lie fallow spiritually until something causes them to ask Jesus for help. Perhaps it's time for us all to pray for all who no longer worship or believe in God.

Lord Jesus,
help us to sense Your presence in the small,
intimate moments of our life,
as well as during the earth shattering experiences.
As we learn to expect Your
involvement in our daily life,
may we pray for all who have fallen
away from the faith -
that they may invite You back into their lives.
Amen.