A story intends a future. It contains recognition of what has happened and possibility of what is to come. ~ Carl Savage

This familiar story of Jesus' journey with two disillusioned disciples on Easter morn is our story. Like these disciples of old may we be gifted with eyes to see the risen Christ in our midst, as the bread of our story is broken among us.

That very day two of the disciples 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 drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And Jesus 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, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" Jesus 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 Jesus over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that Jesus 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 did not find Jesus' body there; and they came back saying that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that Jesus was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Jesus they did not see."

And Jesus 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 Christ should suffer these things and be glorified?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning the Christ.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. Jesus walked ahead as if he were going on, but they urged against it, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So Jesus went in to stay with them. While at the table with them, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus, who then vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while Jesus talked to us on the road, and opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they
found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

In these sacred words of old, may we hear the Spirit anew, AMEN

It was May 23, 2009 at the Langley Sportsplex. The very Rev. Dr. Peter Short was beginning his final theme address: My notes read: “The beginning of the spiritual life is respect.” That is where he caught my attention as he wove our sacred story with his own words of reflection. Suddenly we were on the Emmaus road – all of us gathered around tables remembering our many encounters with this story. My notes included these scribbles:
...a stranger fell in with them. (Jesus dead & gone – silenced by angry powers) ...burn in their hearts ...abide with us...Blessed stranger.
It seems to me that spiritual conversation invites the blessed stranger of our selves; of one another and of God.