Luke 24:13-35
The two disciples were not out sightseeing, or to lose weight, much less to improve cholesterol levels. They were walking seven miles to Emmaus because walking was one of the few ways to travel.
Walking can be relaxing. However, the two disciples were not relaxed. They were worried, anxious, nervous. Usually when we have negative emotions turning in our insides, the person closest to us becomes the target of our anger. Jesus drew near and walked with them. The Lord knew that they needed Him. However, rather than being welcoming, the disciples were rude. “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” Don’t you watch the news? We like for people to be aware of our pain. Spouses have to learn to read minds. Don’t you know how hard I’ve worked all day? Couldn’t you have guessed how your behavior upsets me? “Misery loves company.” When we are down, we tend to bring others down with us. Negativity can be contagious. The two disciples were angry that Jesus was unaware of their plight. Notice that Jesus did not argue with them. He listened. “What sort of things?” Why don’t you tell me about your pain? Talking about what is bothering us can be very helpful—very healing. Consider a typical household—everyone is on a cell phone or some other device. No one is listening or willing to listen. Many have forgotten how to have a conversation. Little wonder that counselors are in such high demand. We have to pay someone to listen to our pain.
Although Jesus was willing to listen to the disciples, He did not behave according to their expectations. They were looking for another drooping face—someone who could be sad with them. The disciples were so wrapped up in their problems that they could not recognize the Lord walking with them. They missed their opportunity. They were confused about the women’s outlandish story about the missing body. And about the vision of angels that announced that He was alive—how could they focus on the present moment? How could they recognize Jesus with all the worries bouncing around in their heads? Fact is that’s the way most of us come to Holy Mass. Great majority of us have distracting thoughts bouncing around our heads that we cannot recognize the presence of the Lord right in front of our face. Beauty hidden in plain sight. Jesus is here. He wants to walk with us. He wants to listen to our pain. But pride descends upon us. The voice that says, “You can handle this.” “You don’t need anyone.” “Just keep it to yourself.”
Yet God already knows. The Lord is aware of our issues even before we ask. Prayer is for us. The walk is for us. The sharing is for us. Worrying will never help. Some folks aren’t happy unless they have something about which to worry. The weather, the economy, the family—always got to be something. Jesus invites us not to worry. To trust in Him. Easier said than done. Because we are control fanatics. That’s why lots of folks prefer to drive. Same reason that they do not want to delegate or retire or ask for advice. When the rug is pulled out from under us; when we lose someone we love; when we face our darkest night—then we remember that we are not in control. The disciples on the road had to face the fact that their dreams were shattered. All hope was gone. When they thought that all was lost was the moment when everything was restored. At their lowest point was when God could be strong in them. Like when we stop kicking, we can be helped. A person who is drowning can’t be saved if they are unwilling to trust. We are often over our heads with worries. Jesus comes to walk with us.
He welcomes us to His Table. Jesus breaks the bread which becomes His Body. Our challenge is not to miss His presence.
The two disciples were not out sightseeing, or to lose weight, much less to improve cholesterol levels. They were walking seven miles to Emmaus because walking was one of the few ways to travel.
Walking can be relaxing. However, the two disciples were not relaxed. They were worried, anxious, nervous. Usually when we have negative emotions turning in our insides, the person closest to us becomes the target of our anger. Jesus drew near and walked with them. The Lord knew that they needed Him. However, rather than being welcoming, the disciples were rude. “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” Don’t you watch the news? We like for people to be aware of our pain. Spouses have to learn to read minds. Don’t you know how hard I’ve worked all day? Couldn’t you have guessed how your behavior upsets me? “Misery loves company.” When we are down, we tend to bring others down with us. Negativity can be contagious. The two disciples were angry that Jesus was unaware of their plight. Notice that Jesus did not argue with them. He listened. “What sort of things?” Why don’t you tell me about your pain? Talking about what is bothering us can be very helpful—very healing. Consider a typical household—everyone is on a cell phone or some other device. No one is listening or willing to listen. Many have forgotten how to have a conversation. Little wonder that counselors are in such high demand. We have to pay someone to listen to our pain.
Although Jesus was willing to listen to the disciples, He did not behave according to their expectations. They were looking for another drooping face—someone who could be sad with them. The disciples were so wrapped up in their problems that they could not recognize the Lord walking with them. They missed their opportunity. They were confused about the women’s outlandish story about the missing body. And about the vision of angels that announced that He was alive—how could they focus on the present moment? How could they recognize Jesus with all the worries bouncing around in their heads? Fact is that’s the way most of us come to Holy Mass. Great majority of us have distracting thoughts bouncing around our heads that we cannot recognize the presence of the Lord right in front of our face. Beauty hidden in plain sight. Jesus is here. He wants to walk with us. He wants to listen to our pain. But pride descends upon us. The voice that says, “You can handle this.” “You don’t need anyone.” “Just keep it to yourself.”
Yet God already knows. The Lord is aware of our issues even before we ask. Prayer is for us. The walk is for us. The sharing is for us. Worrying will never help. Some folks aren’t happy unless they have something about which to worry. The weather, the economy, the family—always got to be something. Jesus invites us not to worry. To trust in Him. Easier said than done. Because we are control fanatics. That’s why lots of folks prefer to drive. Same reason that they do not want to delegate or retire or ask for advice. When the rug is pulled out from under us; when we lose someone we love; when we face our darkest night—then we remember that we are not in control. The disciples on the road had to face the fact that their dreams were shattered. All hope was gone. When they thought that all was lost was the moment when everything was restored. At their lowest point was when God could be strong in them. Like when we stop kicking, we can be helped. A person who is drowning can’t be saved if they are unwilling to trust. We are often over our heads with worries. Jesus comes to walk with us.
He welcomes us to His Table. Jesus breaks the bread which becomes His Body. Our challenge is not to miss His presence.
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