A hymn by Michael Peterson based on Luke 24:13-35
On the day of resurrection to Emmaus we return ;
While confused, amazed and frightened, Jesus comes to us, unknown.
Then the stranger asks a question, ‘What is this which troubles you?’
Meets us in our pain and suffering; Jesus walks with us unknown.
In our trouble, words come from him; burning fire within our hearts
Tells to us the scripture’s meaning Jesus speaks to us, unknown.
Then we near our destination, then we ask the stranger in,
and he yields unto our urging Jesus stays with us, unknown.
Day of sorrow is forgotten when the guest becomes the host.
Taking bread and blessing, breaking Jesus is himself made known
Opened eyes, renewed convictions, journey back to scenes of pain,
Telling all that Christ is risen, Jesus is through us made known
Talking over their grief and loss, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus were trying to make sense of the horrors and the sadness of what they had witnessed. In bereavement, we may have no idea of our next steps, there is a certain stuckness as we repeat events, words said and unsaid, over and over - or just cogitate silent nothing as we are without energy or inclination to keep taking the next step but wanting space and still emptiness although knowing 'official things' need to be done.
I can imagine the two disciples walking – lost in conversation, tears blurring vision, minds stuck on events, sifting and sequencing but not understanding. Probably not noticing the heat, dust, stones or much beyond the path in front – heads down along their way.
Then they are joined by another – a good listener and speaker - who takes their story and gently reveals His story – interpreting the things about himself in the scriptures – I wonder if that included Genesis 2 and God’s creation and tending of THE Garden?
We know that Jesus spoke about vineyards and pruning vines elsewhere in the Gospels.
On Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper, Jesus said ‘I am the Bread of Life’ … do this in remembrance of me …. And yet this request to remember is totally forgotten in the sadness and thoughts of the weekend’s events … until a stranger sits and breaks bread for them … they recognised and remembered BURNING hearts of understanding, bursting with new memories and JOY and energised to return the 7 miles to Jerusalem to share the Good News of Easter.
As Jesus continues to tend and nurture us – He seeks to open our hearts and minds to our roles as stewards of creation and of each other, brothers and sisters .
How often do we stop and really take in something of creation around us – seeing God or some thing deeper within each other? A tree covered in blossom, may not be all that it seems – what spring threads have you woven? – what new green shoots are within you as we turn from Lent to Holy Week and as Easter resurrection people?
What nurturing is required from yourself or from others?
Have a glorious Easter tide!
An Irish Blessing
May the roads rise up to meet us,
May the wind be always at our back,
May the sun shine warm upon our faces,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold each one of us in the palm of his hand AMEN