Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.   Luke 24:13-16 NIV
 

Jesus has been crucified and entombed, and two of his followers journey to a village called Emmaus. Their hopes have been crushed, and their vision for the redemption of Israel shattered. As they speak of the events which have transpired, a stranger joins them, and asks:

What are you discussing together as you walk along?"  Luke 24:17 NIV

The devastated men are kept from recognizing Jesus, and they tell Him of the horrifying events which took place three days previously. The stranger joins him on their trip, and admonishes them for their lack of faith:

"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"  Luke 24:25-26 NIV

They invited Him to stay with them at Emmaus and share a meal, even though it appeared that Jesus planned to travel further. As Jesus broke the bread, they were permitted to see Him, and then He disappeared. The two men left Emmaus immediately, and set out for Jerusalem to announce:

"It is true! The Lord has risen..."  Luke 24:34 NIV

These two formerly downcast travelers return to Jerusalem joyously, spread the news of the resurrection, and spend their lives in the temple worshipping and blessing the Lord.

Everyone has walked on the road to Emmaus. It looms before us as we leave the funeral of a loved one, or return to an empty house for the first time after a divorce. While reading the newspaper, or watching the news broadcast on television, we may transport ourselves spiritually to the arid path. A layoff notice at work, or a pending foreclosure could kick up the dust of that thoroughfare. When the bitter realization that what you have always wished for will never come to pass, your footfalls echo on that lonely boulevard.

Some of us will meet the miraculous stranger, and find comfort, while others will continue to journey in sorrow, never recognizing Him. It is possible to walk in more than one direction along the road to Emmaus, and with God's grace, all travelers will find fulfillment, and peace, or, at the very least, acceptance.

    Almighty and merciful God we call to mind before you all those whom it would be easy to forget: the homeless, the destitute, the sick, the aged, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contributed by Carol
Sunday August 31, 2008
Liturgical Year A Week 40
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 22 (Proper 17)
Thirteenth Sunday after Epiphany