What is Your Favorite...

Luke 24:13-35

Now on that same day two of them 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 himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he 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 him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He 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 him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he 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 when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he 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 Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection

     Many years ago, a close family friend shared a discussion that happened. Somehow they got on the question of "What is your favorite holiday?" The youngest son gave an unexpected answer. He was always adventurous and curious. With his age and appetite for fun, I think we all figured he would answer Christmas. Instead he responded that it was Easter. His mom asked for more details. He relayed that Christmas seemed to drag on for over a month. Easter on the other hand, seemed to be more his speed. Jesus arose from the dead with a big celebration all around and then,... you can move on. 

     Yes, we like to move on--particularly if it was something difficult or emotionally draining. We like to move on even if it was something good. Okay, what's next? The Road to Emmaus marks that tremendous time when the disciples were processing what it meant to move on from what they had experienced and what they had heard might have happened. The truth has always been something that you need to be a bit more patient in order to fully discover. Putting new truths into action requires the integrity to hold yourself into the change of accepting new information that is better and truer than what you knew before.

     So, Easter has always been a long season of celebrating and letting it sink in. No, it isn't culturally seen as 50 days of rejoicing, but it is. The highest and most significant of holy times doesn't pass in a moment, but demands that we consider what has died and grieve it. Then turn to fully realize the new life and the living hope that is abundantly piling up. Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Great God, we praise you for the gift of Resurrection life that we know in Jesus. Thank you for coming into our time and bringing us an everlasting truth of your love that is always with us. All praise to you alone! In the Name of the Blessed Trinity, we pray. Amen.