Today’s Gospel presents the familiar Emmaus Story: Two disciples are walking away from the community at Jerusalem in the days after Jesus’ death. They have heard the reports of the empty tomb and that Jesus is alive, yet this news is not enough to lift their sorrows. This is not what they had hoped for. This is not what they were expecting.
What is beautiful is the way that Jesus enters the story and ‘walks by their side.’ Jesus meets them where they are at. He walks with them. He gets to know them by inviting them to share their story. He engages with them, opening up the meaning of the scripture stories. And then he joins them for a meal, an intimate encounter which parallels our own Eucharistic celebration.
The story provides a blueprint for the way that we are called to share the life and love of Jesus with others. We are invited to share in the story of others – to get to know them, to journey with them, to break bread with them. It is the language of relationship. We are called to love others. We are called to see others as Jesus does, as brothers and sisters, infinitely lovable.
This calls us to get to know others, especially those who are part of our St Joseph’s family. We are called to share in each others stories, to walk alongside each other, sharing both struggles and joys. The situation of the current pandemic is an opportunity for us to express our solidarity with our neighbours, whoever they may be.
Contained within this Gospel is also the invitation to return to community. The disciples have been walking away from the community in which they received support, encouragement and sustenance. We are told in the story that after they recognised Jesus they rushed back to the gathered community ‘that instant.’ Remember, this was at night and Jerusalem was 7km away! Being in community is not an added extra for a Christian. I can’t be a disciple on my own. Our expression as a community is fundamental to being followers of Christ.
In this time of social distancing, this call to being in community is more acutely felt. We miss being able to see each other, to connect, to shake hands, to embrace. We miss the comfort of standing alongside each other, of knowing we are there for each other. As a community, we are discovering new ways to stay connected. And yet, we still look forward to that future time when we can gather again, and be Eucharist together.
– By Brendon Mannyx
I discovered this poem by Mary Coloe on the LiturgyHelp website. It is a beautiful retelling of the Emmaus Story.
Emmaus
Their backs were turned to Jerusalem
the memories of that Friday too bitter
there was nothing to hold them now.
They had hoped –
even that was cause for sour taste.
They’d given him their time
left villages and families to follow;
and what hurt most
they’d given him their hearts.
His words were strange
but they had known his friendship
and learned to trust
even to love.
But now!
They walked on
and he joined them.
The dry dust of their journey
and their hearts
clouded their vision.
Weighed down with loss, betrayal, fear
they did not see
he travelled with them.
Even when he spoke
recalling a history
they still did not perceive.
Their blind journey continued to Emmaus
and could have gone beyond
but for a word –
a simple shattering word of invitation.
‘Stay with us. The darkness is upon us.’
And in the shared darkness
their eyes were opened
and their broken hearts healed.
In memory of him became Eucharist
and life to be shared with others.
Surely this is Easter –
not once
a past event
but in the darkness of our journey
finding a God
walking the dark ways with us
into dawn.