Jesus Sightings and Church Chatter-Spirit Soundings, May 1, 2015

Jesus Sightings and Church Chatter

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…..

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, sayings, “Stay with us,”….

When he was at table with them, he took bread and broke it,
and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened,
and they recognized him;…(Luke 24:13-16, 28-29, 30-31)
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The chatter on the road to Emmaus becomes a perfect scenario for us today as we go from ministry event to event – often focusing on unmet expectations. It appears we continue to have much in common with those very first disciples. There they are – two disciples walking along the road – talking about the crucifixion and the rumors that their teacher (Jesus) might have been resurrected. They are so focused on discussing what has been, that they neglect to notice the presence of Jesus with them on the road.

A time ago, I might have quickly judged them. I might have been tempted to say “Dudes – don’t you see who you’re talking with?” But now, not so much – I have found myself too often caught in similar scenarios. I have found myself shaped by the pain of loss or disappointment – unable to see or recognize the presence of God right there before me. Perhaps the disappointment comes simply from the outcome of a meeting that I believed should have gone one way over the other. Perhaps the pain comes from the loss of a beloved colleague or friend as they move on to another ministry. Perhaps it simply comes from the exhaustion of working hard; keeping our noses to the grindstone – and forgetting to pause, breathe and look up.

I’ve come to believe that this is an ongoing challenge for us as a people of faith. It is not hard to be disappointed – after all, we are a broken people in a disappointing world. There is reason to be discouraged – after all, we are a broken people in a discouraging world. We have cause to be dismayed – after all, we are a broken people in a dismaying world. Earthquakes, natural disasters, senseless shootings, terrorism, rioting on the streets of our cities, illness, death – all are part of the story of our corporate human life. And if you have any doubts, just turn on the television – it’s all there as vibrant color – reminding us of the broken reality around us. So I understand the chatter on the road to Emmaus; I understand the focus on their immediate reality – it can be all-consuming, as they will often require our attention.

But the story of this Emmaus journey doesn’t end there. Notwithstanding their cluelessness, the two disciples engage a conversation with the stranger – (Thank you, Lord). And in that unexpected and unanticipated leg of the journey, the chatter shifts. They hear the Word proclaimed. They are reminded of what they believe. How often are you and I confronted by a teacher, friend, pastor, colleague, child – whose presence calls us back to what we claim to believe? Ultimately that unplanned chatter along the road leads the two to invite Jesus to “stay with them.” And while at table, their eyes were opened to the presence of their Lord.

This past weekend I spent some time in “Spiritual Direction” at the Society of St. John the Evangelist – a monastic order of the Episcopal Church in Massachusetts. As I spoke with a spiritual director, I was reminded of the gifts of Christ all around me – notwithstanding the list of assignments to be completed; notwithstanding the reality of the challenges faced by our churches and our society. I was reminded of God’s ever-faithful movement and presence, even when we are not aware; even when we seem blind; I was reminded of what happens at table – when our hearts are open. For the truth is, without this reminder, I’m not sure we are able to effectively challenge and bring healing to the brokenness around us.

And that’s where the Emmaus story ultimately ends up – at table with the one who touched their hearts and minds; at table with the one who opened their eyes. This image of the table is the one that provides me with great hope. For it is at table – when we are gathered with one another; when we are willing to sit side by side and engage one another; when we are willing to risk the vulnerability that comes from ‘knowing’ one another– that we can recognize and will experience the presence of Jesus. It is by coming to and serving from the table that we can hope to bring the kind of impossible transformation that is only of God.

It’s true, we will always be tempted to engage in the chatter of all that has gone wrong. And Lord knows, that list can be long. But for us, as a people of the ‘impossible,’ it doesn’t stop there. Our chatter shifts as we are reminded to pause, look around us and recognize the Word that lives in, among, and through us.roadtoemmaus