Resurrection ... is not enough

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.  (Luke 24:28-29)

Walks slow us down providing time for thoughtful conversation.  If you’re on the wrong road, the worst you can do is move in haste.  Ever find yourself on the way to Emmaus?  I do.  Fresh spring scents wash the stench of brutality and death away.   Luke shares the story of a man and a woman walking a seven mile trek away from Jerusalem.  While engaged in an animated exchange replaying the horrors in Jerusalem, a stranger approached interrupting them acting as if he knew nothing of recent events.  Walking, not fleeing, I imagine their hopes and admiration wilted as they did not know Jesus intimately.  This distressed pair described the man from Nazareth as a prophet powerful in word and deed (24:19).  They asked in disbelief, how their people could condemn and crucify the healer, Jesus?   How often have we failed to recognize God in a friend, a spouse, a neighbor, a child, or perhaps a stranger?  

The man and woman detailed how women had entered Jesus’ tomb three days later and found no body.  Confused, they recounted a tale embellished with angels declaring Jesus to be alive!  

  

Much to their surprise, the stranger entered the conversation beginning with Moses.  From the same records for which we have access today, he interpreted the prophets and every passage of scripture referring to him.

Eventually, the two stopped having arrived home.  The stranger continued on.  As if time were cut far too short with good friends or family, the two… blind to the stranger, but burning inside… responded, pleading with an invitation to stay … and when the stranger blessed and broke the bread at the meal.  “… their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.” (Luke 24:31)  How often have we been touched by God, but it goes unrecognized for weeks, months, years before we or another recognize it upon reflection?

So moved, the two immediately returned through hostile people to Jerusalem where they found the Eleven. 

Jesus took two critical risks.  The first occurred before the journey.  He lived a radical, saving love for humanity that threatened the social, economic, political powers of society and still do to this day.  He modeled how to live beyond our self-imposed limits.  For these saving acts of love, absorbing evil through forgiveness, he faced humiliation and degradation in death.  The second risk occurred following his sacrifice.  Jesus entrusted us to respond to his love.  Resurrection is not enough.  As the man and woman journeyed to Emmaus, their eyes, hearts, thoughts were opened in community with shared experiences from life’s scriptures and the dawning Eucharist … wholesome tradition … committed to love … work for understanding and justice.  To walk away isolated … failing to respond ... indifference grows … the Divine remains a stranger … our eyes unopened.  Many who make the journey in faith alone in guarded spirituality don’t meet strangers, let alone invite them.  We all try trekking solo only to discover the solitary footprints that carried us.  The men at my PX-90 or Tuesday morning tables began as strangers.  Though they’re far from saints, I have seen the face of God in them on many occasions. 

Jesus risking death and resurrection offers invitation.  The travelers stopped.  He offered shelter, broke bread in meal, and gave vision.  Are we like the travelers in need of a lifestyle change?  Resurrection is not enough.  Without response, the Holy Spirit, God, remains a stranger in our presence.  Our candidates and catechumen have been on the road to Emmaus and will soon return to Jerusalem.  Will we see?  Will we hear?  If not, Jesus’ suffering death on a cross is folly, a tale.