Recognition

It’s good to have someone to talk to. A compassionate listener who can share our pain and joy, grow our perspective, help us hold the heart together or help pick up the pieces to tenderly shape a new thing. Someone to help us recognize what our eyes in the moment cannot see when clouded by fear, lost hope, or shaken faith.  

Easter morning two disciples of Jesus walk together from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus.* They are deeply distraught and confused by the happenings of the last few days. Their spiritual teacher and dear friend, “a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,” the one they hoped was their Redeemer – was condemned unjustly and crucified, and now his body is gone from the tomb. Then some women of their group reported a vision of angels saying he is alive.

I can imagine the disciples’ conversation and also at times their silence, just breathing together, simply walking with one foot in front of the other, the ground being the only thing holding them steady. Now a third person comes alongside. It is Jesus, but they do not recognize him. Then what together the two disciples could not make sense of, the stranger unpacks for them. He kindles the burning flame of knowing in their hearts, pointing to God’s presence and saving grace throughout their holy scriptures and in the words and deeds of their beloved companion.

As evening comes near, the disciples invite the stranger to stay the night with them in the village to which they are going. Their gesture of welcome and spirits newly ignited open them for what comes next. At the supper table together, the disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. He then vanishes from their sight, but with fresh vision, they quickly return to Jerusalem to share the good news.

Here we are in our little faith communities, over two thousand years later, opening Scripture together, gathering at the communion table, and blessing each other to be God’s love in the world. Alleluia!