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The Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-25
Each of us learns differently. Some of us learn best by reading, others by seeing a picture or video, and others by listening; then there are those who take in information and process it later, after it has had time to percolate in their psyche. This is learning through hindsight, understanding something after it has already happened. The information is offered, the experience lived, and then, in a quiet moment, understanding dawns. This is often referred to as an “aha” moment. It is as if a light bulb comes on and we see clearly what was unclear before.
A few days ago, my husband and I assembled a desk. The directions and reviews indicated a 15- to 30-minute assembly time. Hours later, we finished what was supposed to be quick and easy. When we were done, it all made sense, and we wondered how our thinking had been so muddled. It was a simple piece of furniture meant to hold my sewing machine, but it kept us stymied for the better part of the afternoon.
Today, we read about two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, heartbroken about the death of Jesus. One of the disciples is identified as Cleophas, and some speculate that he was with his wife, Mary. They had firsthand knowledge of Jesus. They had seen, heard, and been with Jesus in real time. They were his disciples, his followers. Yet even as Jesus joined them on their journey and reminded them of what the prophets had said, they did not recognize him.
Sometimes our minds are fuzzy. Maybe it is fair to say that often our minds are fuzzy, especially when it comes to matters of faith. Last week, we heard about Thomas the apostle, who could not reconcile himself to believing that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he touched his wounds. It is a story that resonates with many of us.
The disciples on the road to Emmaus, whoever they were, knew Jesus, but it was only when they sat down to a meal with him that the “aha” moment came. It was only as Jesus shared bread with them that they recognized him. That intimate moment of sharing a meal brought clarity.
Here we are thousands of years later. We have learned about Jesus, his teachings and his life. How we learned and what we learned vary. Our roads are far more hectic and complicated than that road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, yet our journeys are similar. We know the story, we share the story and we process the story for ourselves repeatedly. Some days we are at peace with it and other days we wonder.
It is a mystery of faith now as it was then. The questions are with us, and the answers are not simple, but every once in a while they become clear, and we celebrate an Easter moment, an “aha” moment that brings us to prayers of gratitude.
On another note, I want to acknowledge the difficult week we have come through. The disrespect directed at Pope Leo has caused pain and confusion. The message the Pope offers is clear. It is the message of Jesus, the Jesus we celebrate this Easter season, the Jesus who showed us, in so many ways, the love of God, the mercy of God, and the beauty of living a life of love grounded in caring for each other with a special preference for the least among us.
Let us pray for peace and understanding in this troubled time.
Anne
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