TIME FOR OUR EMMAUS EXPERIENCE

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….
— Luke 24:30-31

In this very familiar post-resurrection story, we learn some significant
points about our faith.

First, we hear that Cleopas and his companion had had the experience and knew the story but were without understanding. They were able to relate the whole story of the crucifixion and even the story of those who went to the tomb and found it empty, but they were still caught in their despair. It is not enough to know the story or even to have had an experience. There is something more that has to put it all together and give us new eyes.

According to the story, it is not even enough to walk with Jesus. Is there the suggestion here that many may walk with Jesus and not recognize with whom they are walking? Jesus took the same stories that they knew, “beginning with Moses and all the prophets” and interpreted them for these disciples in a way that broke open their minds to a new understanding.
Yet even a powerful scripture study, inspirationally taught, was not enough. Yet even a powerful scripture study, inspirationally taught, was not enough.

When they arrived at their destiny, while they were
moved by Jesus’ interpretation, they still did not recognize him.
Two acts had to come together before they came to a full understanding.

First, they offered hospitality to a stranger. “But they urged
him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening
and the day is now nearly over.’ ” There is an echo of the story of
Abraham offering hospitality to strangers at the oak of Mamre
(Genesis 18:1-15) and discovering that he was welcoming God.
By offering hospitality to a stranger, they were opening themselves to the possibility of the presence of God (Hebrews 13:2).

Second, still, there was no recognition until “he was at the table with them, (and) took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.” It was that combination of their having offered hospitality and participating in the familiar act of breaking bread with Jesus that they finally understood who was in their midst.

The lesson for the contemporary church may be that if we truly want to encounter Christ in our midst, we need to understand the scriptures, offer hospitality to strangers, and break bread together. It is the combination of study, ethics, and ritual that is critical for our faith.

In this tragic experience that is affecting the whole world, where we see many chosen for leadership seem to flounder and be overwhelmed, the most powerful message that seems to be emerging is the kindness and compassion that many are offering even to complete strangers. That, together with the familiar rituals of faith that point to something beyond our immediate tragedy may be our source of hope and renewal.

HOSPITALITY AND RITUAL may be a profound source for our recognizing the presence of God in our midst.