Faith for Today
The post Easter experiences of Jesus are all about amazing encounters of the holy in daily living.Maybe that is what happened on the road to Emmaus, in the exchange between Jesus, Cleopas and the unnamed companion as they come together after the walk. Imagine, their hearts burning within, as they listen to each other and break bread.
An outstanding New Testament scholar, Rev. Dr. Rhys Williams, loved to share his insights about Emmaus. He had travelled the “Holy Land” extensively during his studies. Regarding this story, he would always say- “You know, there are several communities, seven miles from Jerusalem who claim to be Emmaus, and yet there is no clear historical indication of a village with that name.” Emmaus; that place where we fall in step with the stranger on a journey; where we walk beside the divine, though it may elude us; that place where our hearts are broken and we are joined with one who hears and understands. Emmaus is nowhere, and Emmaus is everywhere, most clearly recognised upon reflection.
It was a typical spring day about 40 years ago; wet, cold, yet alive with the promise of new life. My brothers and I convinced our mother that we should go fishing after school. The smelts were running! While we perched on the riverbank, delighting in the easy catch and transfixed by the dark swarms of fish before us, our mother supervised. A man on the riverbank struck up a conversation. He was a local character. I’m not sure where he lived, but everyone knew who he was. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him leave, then reappear, offering hospitality to my mother. It took the form of a cup of coffee, in what she described as the dirtiest mug she ever put to her lips. The cup of coffee left lasting impression. Who was served; the man offering or the woman accepting hospitality? I think the holy moment was in the exchange. Somehow the playing field was levelled on a riverbank in Deepdale. He represented everything I feared, even though my fears were grounded in childish insecurities and prejudice. That encounter taught me something about respect, humility and the dignity of humanity, brought forth in the everyday encounter and in acceptance of the gift. Somehow the presence of Christ is revealed to me as that episode lives on in my memory. It has the timeless quality of a parable with real life characters.
Moments like these, help us to see the resurrected Christ. A message of hope in the presence of God evident to the travellers on the road, and in the breaking of bread. We find ourselves on the road to Emmaus often enough; walking away from disappointment, confused by heartache, regretful about something which cannot be undone, yet ready to share with the one who joins us on the journey. Experience in these moments, invite us to believe Christ lives on.