Easter 3: Eyes of the Heart
Biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan remarks, “Emmaus never happened,” clarifying that “Emmaus always happens.” We are given opportunities, over and over again, to see and be changed by the risen Christ. Now. Here. We are invited to see with new eyes.
Luke 24:13-35 New International Version
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled, together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
The exact location of Emmaus, where the two disciples see the risen Christ in Luke 24:13–35, is unknown. Emmaus may be anywhere. Hearts burning and eyes opening do not occur in only one geographical or spiritual place. Emmaus comes into sight wherever a path leads us toward communion with God and whenever we recognize the risen Christ among us.
When Jesus joins the two travelers on the road, they do not recognize him immediately; perhaps their grief and loss blind them. When they offer Jesus hospitality, a sign of love, and when he blesses and breaks bread, the revelation happens, and they recognize the stranger with whom they have been walking and talking.
A transformation occurs within the travellers; they shift from standing still in a state of sadness to being “on fire” with hope. In great haste, they return to Jerusalem to tell
the other followers of Jesus what they have experienced: Christ’s resurrection and their own.
Sometimes, our hearts are heavy with the burden of grief, sorrow, and anguish. We have been cut to the heart, but nothing changes, until that moment when we are open to the realization that we are not alone; that seen or unseen, Spirit is with us.
Other times, our hearts can help us to see more grace and love. We may fail or refuse to recognize how God is changing our hearts, believing we are on a road of our own
making. We can be hardened, but God expands the vision of our hearts.
Prayer For Easter 3
God, you come and walk beside us. You accompany us into the unknown and challenge us to see the world with new eyes. Remind us of your vision, again and again. Amen.
In peace
Pastor Beryl, DLM