It's Friday and I have just been ask to preach on Sunday so my thoughts are just taking shape. These two on the way to Emmaus seem to be searchers. They are followers, as we all are, but in there total disbelief in the death of their leader and the promise he showed their searching is lost in their misunderstanding of his true idenity. They are in the process of trying to understand all the things that have just happened and are in a way praying in their discussions as they walk along. And the promise which He spoke,"Those who seek shall find" is about to be fulfilled. This we must all remember as we search when we are in the mist of our own misunderstanding. That the promised one of God, the Holy Spirit, will open our hearts. And the slowness will disappear into a burning desire to be in His presents.
So far my only thoughts aren't too original.... Jesus' followers recognized him not when they were theologizing but in the simple, common act of breaking bread together.... Margaret in CT
My first time of being able to work a week ahead! I love it.... This is a picture of Jesus walking with us...one or two of us at a time, not making a big display of His teaching,not looking for the important and well-known people or the big crowds, but spending time and effort to make us understand the truth. And then, we are to do as they did! Run out and tell our fellows what we have learned! How Jesus opened our eyes and hearts and taught us truth about the Kingdom of God. Janet in NY
This is a text I have read so many, many times, but curiously today I see it in a different way.
Jesus reach out to the disciples walking in the road. How many of us take our time to go and find the people in the streets, where they are?
Jesus asked them what was bothering them and then he listened and listened and listened to the whole story even though he knew what happened better than them. How many of us take the time to really listen what bothers our people even though we may think we know more?
Jesus took the time to explain the scripture again although they should have understood. How many of us take the time to explain the scriptures again and again no matter how many times people need to hear the same?
Jesus established a relationship of love with them so strong than been a stranger they invited him to stay. How many of us are are capable of touching the lives of our people in such a way that they will want us to be part of their lives?
Jesus blessed the bread and share it with them. How many of us are willing to nurture and care for the needs off our people in such a loving way?
I still wonder...
Latina
Dear HW,
I really appreciated your sermon from last week. Especially about Jesus' reaction and "non-reaction" towards the Disciples behind closed doors. Thanks a bunch. Peace to YOU!
Anne in Prov., Thanks so much for including your scripture dramas. The one from Easter was very effective.
Thanks all! MK in NC
Kent in Quebec,
Continuing from last week, if I may quickly say that I too believe that when religion is used as a reason to maim, murder, and pillage, then terribly sad events are taking place. But I've also known that I used those very happenings for reasons to stay away from church for far too long. And I delayed my understanding that there is a realm of believers within the wider body of Christ where God is manifest, God is real, God is genuine.
So I now find myself wincing a bit when I hear others saying that it is Christians who are waging war, maiming, or killing others. Although I'm sure there are exceptions, I now believe that this is simply not true, and that a Christian who is submitted to God's Holy Spirit, would do none of these things and in fact would be doing those things that bring God glory rather than grief.
So for the sake of others who see the events of the world, wrongly labeled, as reasons to stay away from church, let's be a littler clearer before generally stating that it is Christians who are doing the killing in Serbia or anywhere else.
Thanks,
Rick in Va
As a layman - who struggles daily to grow spiritually - I read this and ask myself - What does it take for me to see the small miracles that probably abound daily? Jesus is probably sending subtle messages that I am missing because my heart is not fully open. Is it simply a matter of faith?
pm
I am often struck, as I say the words of institution at communion, by how many of us probably do not 'do this in remembrance of me' as OFTEN as we break bread and drink wine together. When was the last time you had a beer and pretzels 'in Jesus' name,' or broke a Hungry Jack biscuit 'in Jesus' name,' or shared wine and cheese 'in Jesus' name'? These are extreme examples, I know, but a hurried "God is great" before wolfing down a delivery pizza and pepsi somehow doesn't meet the concept of "as often as you do it." What will it take for us to see Christ present, to feel Christ present, to WELCOME Christ into our hurried fast-food lives? A relationship with Christ takes time (three years for the disciples) and commitment. I'm afraid that we've relegated Christ to the communion table alone, and eliminated him from all the other tables we share.
Just thoughts.
RevJan
I am a first time contributor. I have gotten so much from DPS, have appreciated so many contributions, and have used many stories and ideas. I want to thank Latina for her insight into this passage. You've helped to open my eyes to see this passage in a new light. I have used this passage many, many times in Services of Death and Resurrection. I believe it is one of the most reassuring passages in scripture that speaks to us when we suffer a loss, search for meaning in the midst of misunderstanding and doubt, and simply wonder what is next for us in life since our dreams and hopes have collapsed. It is comforting to know that there is always one who walks with us, and he is not a stranger, but is truly the risen Lord. He not only walks with us, but he brings meaning of the scriptures to life for us, he offers understanding and companionship, and even is with us in the breaking of bread and communion around the table. This passage serves to remind us that it is the risen Christ that constantly seeks to break into our lives as we walk our daily paths (sometimes not so smooth and easy) and offer us all we need to complete the journey. RWR in Texas
Just a thought. These people walking on the road are not anyone special. Not one of the twelve. Not anyone note worthy, one is not even named, does that mean it was a woman - the man's wife maybe. By Jesus appearing to these insignifigant folks the story tells us that Jesus can and will appear to us comon folks too.
What a God we have.
Just keep remembering that Easter is not over yet. Every morning is Easter morning from now on, every day is ressurection day, our past it over and gone.
Love this song for this time of year.
As preachers it is a challenge to keep the momentum up after Easter. But if Easter has really become a personal experience, we should see each Sunday from not till Pentecost as just as special as April 4.
jmj
Recently at a local pastor's retreat, our DS shared from Henri Nouwen's "With Burning Hearts", written about the Eucharist and using this scripture. I was so impressed (thanks Fred Day!) that I shared it with my congregations as our Lent Study, culminating with the Eucharist of Easter Sunday. Isn't it true that each week we come to church heavy hearted, mourning our losses? Then the Holy Word is shared, the history of our ancestors and does not our hearts burn as we see that "we" are part of this history of God's people? We invite the Stranger (Jesus) to come home with us. Guest becomes Host and we recognize Him in the Eucharist (thanksgiving), Then we "go and tell". I cannot possibly do justice to Nouwen's insights. The book is a quick read and so enlightening. Blessings on the journey! LS
The power of a meal. So many things can be brought up discussed and understood at mealtime. That is some of our family's best times. Breaking of bread - Laughter - Lightbulb - This was the disciples Best of times. To see the Lord and teacher that had loved, taught, worshipped with with in the flesh and sharing yet another meal with them. How many of us have shared in a meal not only of bread but of understanding with our Lord and Savior? V in AL.
These are two of Jesus followers, why are they leaving town? Perhaps to escape the same fate that Jesus suffered at the hands of the Jewish leaders. Are they running away? When things get tough in our own lives, when we are persecuted for following Jesus, how do we react? Do we leave town. Do we have faith to persevere in the face of condemnation for what we believe. Where are we on our walk? Are we walking toward or away from Jesus Elwood in WI.
Thanks to everyone. What a great start for so early in the week! I'm looking at the theme of "Living as Easter People" -- from now 'til Pentecost. The question I keep coming back to is how do we live as Easter people everyday... not just for one big day of celebration. How do we come to recognize and affirm Jesus in the breaking of the bread and in the retelling of the story? How do we remmeber and recapture "our hearts burning within us" whenever we hear the Word of Jesus. And how do I preach/talk about this Easter people message to congregations that have some folks who aren't at all sure who or what Jesus was or what he stood for ... or what the Resurrection means or if it means anything... Lots of early ramblings... thanks for giving me a place to wrestle thru some of this out in a community of "fellow journey-ers". I guess that's what the church is, eh? Shalom -- RevAmy
A recent story of eyes opening over the Eucharist: The Sunday before Easter we had a rather contentious Congregation Council meeting, as a handful of "alligators" surfaced after my nearly 7 years of service hear in rural South Carolina. One gentleman, in particular, was vocal & belligerent. At one point he remarked, "I just wish you **** liberal Yankees would all go home." Needless to say, Holy Week was especially long for me this year. As Easter morning approached, it dawned on me that I would be called upon to administer Holy Communion to this man who dislikes me so much. Our theologies, politics, our entire outlooks on life and the church are so different! I wondered how I would feel carrying out my "priestly" responsibilities with this man. To my joy and surprise, as he came to the altar Easter Sunday I felt as though I was being given a gift by God. I have no idea what his thoughts and feelings were at that moment; but I know that Jesus' promise to be with us in the bread & wine transcended any personal feelings I had at that moment. God truly does open our eyes in the breaking of the bread!
Rick in SC
Dear pm,
I know what you mean: "What does it take for me to see the small miracles that probably abound daily? Is it simply a matter of faith?" Years ago I had come to understand Jesus as rabbi, prophet, etc. - but could not make the connection to divine. My priest at that time said to me, "You have the ability; go and pray for the desire." I did. It took 2 weeks of prayer without ceasing. God changed my whole life, my soul, gave me new life. So I want to offer to you, who already know him: simply ask. Ask God to open your eyes and unlock your heart. I believe you will be blown away. I am reminded that I should go and do likewise.
Aloha, HW in HI
Latina-
!Que Barbara!
thank you for that insight about having to listen.... and to take the opportunity to be able to tell the story and repeat the story.
That is what we are called to do...to listen and tell the story.
I recall preaching a sermon one time. I felt it was profound.... thenafter the service two men were talking so i sat down with them..thinking maybe they had some reflection on my theological plums.
hey said:Pastor we have just been trying to figure something out" What's that i asked.
They said " If God made the universe, who made God?"
They could have been 1st or second graders. They still had the need to hear the story and have it lifted up.
wonder how many see that Jesus was doing this with these 2 trugding along that road.
I've walked part of the narrow trail from jerusalem to El Que Bebe (the spring)...... it is really only wide enough for a person and burro... yet Jesus fell in with them and walked with them, and explained all about the story of salvation.
I invite you to go there some day and take that walk, with a friend of two and share the story of love of salvation's love.
Thanks Latina for reminding us of the pwerful gift of the ear.
donaldhoff@aol.com
elmira, NY
dear jmj:
ah! that's my favorite Easter song! how wonderful to be reminded of it here, a place i have visited and been nourished by for a year or so, but never been brave enough to contribute a tiny morsel of my own. thanks to all of you who have helped this seminarian, now intern pastor (!).
i am also planning on using this text as a reminder to see where Jesus is in our daily lives, even when we are oblivious to His presence. sometimes we are Jesus for others.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter blessings to all, ladl in el cajon, california
I was just reminded of the beautiful song by Carey Landry, a married RC priest- composer (wrotre "Abba Father") he write a song, sort of a round...
Were not our hearts burning within us-
Were not our hearts burning with fire-
Burning within us, within us to win us
Burning within us , within us today.
Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Lord.
It can be used like the Taize prayer songs are used, a mantra prayer. hope you can find the music before sunday....call me and I'll sing it to you.
donaldhoff@aol.com
elmira, NY
The United Methodist Upper Room Program "Walk to Emmaus" uses this story to show how our eyes can be opened to Jesus, and Holy Communion can be an instument of helping a person see and feel God's grace. I have seen more than one person receive Christ simulataneously to receiving the elements at Communion. I may preach on the phrase, "Have your heart strangely warmed," from this passage and John Wesley's Aldersgate experience. revup (See sermon review story)
pm- thank you for asking that question... is it too subtle for us... or sometimes people as" for a mere layman?"
I would share that there is too much, much too much made of clergy having some special channel of truth. The Church has peddled that message over the centuries as a means of maintaining control.... it is still in force. since i am mostly aquainted with the RC., Anglican and UMeth communions... i can say that the attitude still has power and currency.
Jesus spoke to those around him, and often they didn't get it. They complained to him that he was speaking in parables... and riddles, and that they could understand. Jesus said let those who have ears hers.
There is nothing wrong with you ...... much of what Jesus says is said in layers, and you will understand it over time, as it is revealed to be by the work of the Spirit Holy. If it was so easy to get all at once, we would need to study , pray or have patience. The work of the clergy would be open the text, open the heads, pour contents in and close the top.
Jesus came to take away our sins, not our inquiring minds.
donaldhoff@aol.com
elmira, NY
>> Emmaus never happened...Emmaus ALWAYS happens.
>> Emmaus is Luke's metaphoric condensation of several years of early [post-resurrection] Christian formation and experience into one parabolic afternoon.
Both of these ideas are close paraphrases of John Crossan'w work...and for me offer rich and wide points of entrance into the text. What do some of you think?
Barry in OH
In this event the risen Lord, models for us the roll of the church: Meeting people where they are, listening to their concerns, applying the gospel to the point of their needs, compassionate fellowship and sharing at a level where strangers are made close friends, blessing people in a way that they recognize the presence of God in their own lives, inspiring people in a way that renews hope and energy and purpose. Jesus touches us in a way that we freely want to pass it on. Manzel
During a children's sermon, one of the youngest theologians in our church honestly replied, "We talk about Jesus, but I can't see him. Where is he?"
I keep coming back to his statement as I am challenged by the scriptures and my parishioners to "see" Jesus in our everyday lives.
This passage seems to bring this question up, how do we see Jesus? And how often have we seen him and not recognized him?
We are Easter people...how do we "see" Jesus and how do we help others "see" Jesus? Any thoughts to add to my brain pool? Teek
Teek,
The "Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary" pointed out that Luke "introduces eucharistic language into the story." The book goes on to say, "Jesus takes bread, blesses, and breaks it, which provides the moment for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord. Recognition of Jesus in the Eucharist then allows the disciples to understand the previous teaching from Scripture."
This can hold true for us also. We can "see and recognize" Jesus in communion. In taking communion, we can learn what it means to speak of the risen Lord.
The book also says, "Where do we go to see Christ and become holy? In the Emmaus story, word and sacrament work in tandem to instill faith: 'The Lord has risen indeed!' (v.34)"
Brandon in CA
I haven't decided if I'm gong to preach on this text yet, but one thought is similar to what RevJan suggested--looking at all the ways in which Christ comes to us in oour daily lives--not in splashy, dramatic ways but in everyday things. NEOW in Maine
Hi, folks. I, of course, studied Rudolf Bultman's demythologizing and read up on what the Jesus Seminar had to say about finding the historical Jesus, even though I don't have much confidence in their credentials. I nedd to do this because it is my duty to know what is being said. Thank God I studied under some wonderful scholars who pointed out what great literateurs the Gospel writers were. And if you want to know what they are saying you never desecrate their text. It is great literature because it incorporates the devices and intricate constructions of the literary art.
In light of this, what is Luke telling us in this special story. It just resembles the early Eucharist too closely (especially Justin Martyr's Roman liturgy of 150 AD) to be anything but some sort of a treatise about the Eucharist. But what does he add? Good question, but I am going to take off from there and get opinions and then try to bring it down to something practical. Thanx again for this site. I cling to it because it always offers something I can use. Thanks Rev. Jan for your insight this week. Joe from Maine
RevKK -- would you please check out the discussion on Acts? HW
Does anyone have a dramatic reading, one-person skit or skit that can be voice as two people by one person, myself, that reflects how we get wrapped up in ourselves and miss the presence of Christ in the small but important things in life?
I have this image that the disciples are walking downcast and missing the gifts, beauties and opportunites around them.
It is in the blessing of the bread, food, that the sacramentality of the ordinary wakes them up.
Still dreaming about a way to deliver a modern-day parable/prose familiar in our daily life that will help us recognize and be open to Jesus' blessing.
Ideas anyone?
SinNEr
To those of you checking the sermon review, I apologize for entering mine 3 times. It didn't show up when I checked the site throughout the day and I kept resubmitting it. This morning I was about to resubmit it again, when my husband told me it was listed 3x's on his church computer. I hit Refresh and sure enough - there it was - over and over again. I tell you all of this so that if any other Internet novice has this problem they know what to do without cluttering the site with submissions. Is there anyone there who can delete extraneous material?? AJM in PA
Thank you Latina and RevJan!
I keep playing with the idea of Christ turning our mourning into dancing - or at least running with joyful hearts.
To Elwood - I understand your comments about perseverance and yet... Jesus comes to the disciples and to the folks on the way to Emmaus - all of whom have either run or locked themselves away in fear. I think it is a blessing to hear that when we reach the end of our rope and all we can do is run and hide, Jesus comes to us and renews us in powerful ways. When we're at the end, Jesus can give us a new beginning. When all hope is lost, hope is revived. In those awful places of terror and despait, of mourning and feeling like life has become empty and maybe useless we are not beyond Jesus' ability to come in and bless us. In fact, maybe that's when we should be most watchful!
HAWK
14 APR 99 Jesus met these two where there were like he met the gathered disciples last Sunday, right there behind locked/closed doors in the midst of their "phobos". Like Thomas--and the Emmaus duo--thought, reason, questioning, theological understanding, interpreting the scriptures can be the very entry points of faith... but don't underestimate the power of bread breaking (or Holy Communion, the Eucharist as many believe Luke is alluding to that). This is kind of on a side topic I see addressed (e.g. Rick in VA). I suppose the Kosovar Muslims could say "Look what those `Christians' are doing!" (Referring to the Serbian Orthodox oppressors). (Of course, look what those (mostly) Christian Nato nations are attempting to do in their (quite possibly) "Just" war to deter aggression and safeguard human rights. What do you suppose might be said by the families of those Doctors who performed abortions and were assasianated? "Look what those `Christians' are doing?" Those Christians? Really? Don't count me in that number... My connection? As we continue with John's gospel (e.g. last week, 20:19)we hear ostensible anti-semitism: "The Jews." In fact, this was a certain small group of opponents to Christ, and hardly included the whole "nation", the many disciples and Jesus himself who were Jewish. Peter in CA
Barry in OH... I think you are on to something there! Emmaus has never been found and is never again referred to. Was it really a village or a metaphore for the road we travel?
Frederick Buechner talks about all of us having an Emmaus in our lives. That place we go to escape when despair and hopelessness faces us. Maybe its a trashy novel, a bar, or the golf course.
Finally, Marcus Borg writes "I don't think Emmaus happened, but I think Emmaus happens again and again."
RP in GA
Dear AJM,
Good sermon! Thank you for some new insights and images. You fed me today.
HW in HI
This passage, to me, is about giving up hope. What are the hopes we have given up lately? That Christ will come again? That your church will grow? That a family member will change? That you will change one of your addictive habits? That you will be extricated (read resurrected) from a miserable situation? Surprise! God is in charge, and will work all things together for our good, if we will only trust his presence and guidance. In the Bible the writers describe events as if God is in control, for instance, "God hardened Pharaoh's heart." In this text, "it was necessary", "the disciples "were blinded", their eyes "were opened", etc. This in no way diminishes our responsibility for our own actions, but rather indicates that though we may be the actors it is still God's play. God's plan and purpose can never be thwarted, not ultimately. The human problem here seems to be one of Martin Luther's definitions of sin: "incurvatus in se." We become curved in upon ourselves, as if we were the centre and control-centre of our universe. We become self-absorbed and self-preoccupied, as if we were our own God, as Shirley Maclean and other New Agers seem to think. I don't remember what Catherine Marshall's book "Beyond Ourselves" is about, or even if I ever read it, but the title points to what I mean. God is in charge, and is seen today not in the sky above or in successes, but in Communion and communion, in everyday love, in anyone who welcomes sinners and eats with them.
I know it is most likely the two were running away in fear, but I can't seem to shake the image I have.
I had always seen them going home not in fear, but in discouragement. I see them going home because there is nothing left for them in Jerusalem. All their hopes and dreams have been dashed. They are going home dejectedly, sadden, and dispirited. They are going back to their ordinary lives again with the events of their participation in Jesus' ministry just a dream.
I see them trudging home, bowed under the clouds of discouragement, wondering what went wrong. It all seemed like God's prophecy and plans were coming true. Now it was all gone, so what's left to do, but go home to their ordinary jobs and ordinary homes. Nothing else to do, but that.
And then Jesus came and changed all that.
Brandon in CA
I know it is most likely the two were running away in fear, but I can't seem to shake the image I have.
I had always seen them going home not in fear, but in discouragement. I see them going home because there is nothing left for them in Jerusalem. All their hopes and dreams have been dashed. They are going home dejectedly, sadden, and dispirited. They are going back to their ordinary lives again with the events of their participation in Jesus' ministry just a dream.
I see them trudging home, bowed under the clouds of discouragement, wondering what went wrong. It all seemed like God's prophecy and plans were coming true. Now it was all gone, so what's left to do, but go home to their ordinary jobs and ordinary homes. Nothing else to do, but that.
And then Jesus came to them and changed all that.
Brandon in CA
"Walking On the Glory Road"....seven miles from Jerusalem, how far is that? What kind of "sacred space" is "seven miles from Jerusalem"? Road of sorrow, road of despair, road of guilt, road of broken-ness, hopelessness, dreams fragmented! Have you ever walked such a road...even as our brothers and sisters walk this road today in the war-torn world? Sacred Presence, the essence of our grief and despair, walks with us and we see a "stranger" who is ignorant, so we think, of all that has occured. Sacramental life, from the ashes of Lent to the fire of Pentecost/Resurrection, involves the drama of worship at the "table" as well as the "life-style/mode-of-being/becoming. The "glory Road" is inclusive of despair and a stranger who walks with us. PaideiaSCO in swampland LA 'walking on a glory road seven miles from Jerusalem"
This passage is not about God way up there - somewhere; but about God with us - right where we are - here. The meeting of Jesus and His disciples on the Emmaus road is today's story for every Christian's doubts.
The disciples are anonymous at first. They are everyone of us, doing what everyone of us would be doing after such a tragic event - trying to make sense out of it. Then a stranger joins them. We know it's the risen Christ, but they don't. The stranger asks what they're talking about. Then they stop. One anonymous disciple becomes Cleopas. Who is Cleopas? Could it be us?
They become sad. How is it possible that anyone from around here hasn't heard? Then Cleopas and his friend begin to describe - however tentatively - the details of the crucifixion. Their description is exactly how any contemporary American whould describe it - without transcendence. The description contains nothing but pain, loss, angry confusion.
Then the most moving single sentence in the NT for us today - "But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel." This most painful of all conditions - between hope and despair - is met by Jesus' chiding love. Not "evil" ones. Not "dead" at heart. But foolish and slow of heart to believe. What a flood of gospel memories this conjures within us: "You look but don't perceive, listen but don't hear/understand." "Forgive them, Father, they don't know what they're doing."
The question is: Were the disciples settling for their own finitude, the anxiety of their own mortality? Do we? They were foolish, and we are foolish, to believe that this is all there is - to live to face death without hope. Had they forgotten the promise of God's word? Have we? Jesus doesn't stop with His gentle chiding. He goes on to explain to them - once again - that scripture contains everything necessary for their own salvation. Jesus sums up for them the Messianic theme of the OT.
But for those two disciples - bereft - it's not enough to just hear the word. They prevail upon Jesus to dine with them. Contrary to custom He becomes the host, takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to them. Then their eyes are opened and they recognize Him - the risen Christ - suddenly their host and table companion. Then, as mysteriously as He appeared, He vanishes.
The Biblical revelation is confirmed in the eucharistic meal. Eyes opened by Scripture discern the presence of the risen Lord in the holy meal. This is the promise and the hope within which the Christian lives. The heart burns within us as the Scriptures open - and Christ gives them - But the final shattering of our finite vision comes with His presence itself. We don't have to settle for the revelation of the Scriptures, He gives Himself to us totally and beyond words at the table.
OKBob
Thought about a piece of poetry I found in the ruins of a house village Emaus (El Qubeibeh) Israel. It was written, sin nomine, in reponse to this week's text.
Emmaus- morning has come
Emmaus- care has gone home
Emmaus- the Lord is with us
Emmaus- our hearts do burn
Emmaus- our grief has gone
Jesus, Jesus is with us
to celebrate the feast of love S.N.
Emaús- la mañana ha venido
Emaús- cuidado ha desaparecido
Emaús- nuestros corazones arden
Emaús- nuestra pesar ha ido
Jesu, Jesu está con nosotros
Celebrar la festin de amor S.N.
Two classical Spurgeon devotions dealing with this text. Worthy of pondering and meditating upon in my view:
Spurgeon I
When the two disciples had reached Emmaus, and were refreshing themselves at the evening meal, the mysterious stranger who had so enchanted them upon the road, took bread and brake it, made himself known to them, and then vanished out of their sight. They had constrained him to abide with them, because the day was far spent; but now, although it was much later, their love was a lamp to their feet, yea, wings also; they forgot the darkness, their weariness was all gone, and forthwith they journeyed back the threescore furlongs to tell the gladsome news of a risen Lord, who had appeared to them by the way. They reached the Christians in Jerusalem, and were received by a burst of joyful news before they could tell their own tale. These early Christians were all on fire to speak of Christs resurrection, and to proclaim what they knew of the Lord; they made common property of their experiences. This evening let their example impress us deeply. We too must bear our witness concerning Jesus. Johns account of the sepulchre needed to be supplemented by Peter; and Mary could speak of something further still; combined, we have a full testimony from which nothing can be spared. We have each of us peculiar gifts and special manifestations; but the one object God has in view is the perfecting of the whole body of Christ. We must, therefore, bring our spiritual possessions and lay them at the apostles feet, and make distribution unto all of what God has given to us. Keep back no part of the precious truth, but speak what you know, and testify what you have seen. Let not the toil or darkness, or possible unbelief of your friends, weigh one moment in the scale. Up, and be marching to the place of duty, and there tell what great things God has shown to your soul.
And Spurgeon II
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had a most profitable journey. Their companion and teacher was the best of tutors; the interpreter one of a thousand, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The Lord Jesus condescended to become a preacher of the gospel, and he was not ashamed to exercise his calling before an audience of two persons, neither does he now refuse to become the teacher of even one. Let us court the company of so excellent an Instructor, for till he is made unto us wisdom we shall never be wise unto salvation. This unrivalled tutor used as his class-book the best of books. Although able to reveal fresh truth, he preferred to expound the old. He knew by his omniscience what was the most instructive way of teaching, and by turning at once to Moses and the prophets, he showed us that the surest road to wisdom is not speculation, reasoning, or reading human books, but meditation upon the Word of God. The readiest way to be spiritually rich in heavenly knowledge is to dig in this mine of diamonds, to gather pearls from this heavenly sea. When Jesus himself sought to enrich others, he wrought in the quarry of Holy Scripture. The favoured pair were led to consider the best of subjects, for Jesus spake of Jesus, and expounded the things concerning himself. Here the diamond cut the diamond, and what could be more admirable? The Master of the House unlocked his own doors, conducted the guests to his table, and placed his own dainties upon it. He who hid the treasure in the field himself guided the searchers to it. Our Lord would naturally discourse upon the sweetest of topics, and he could find none sweeter than his own person and work: with an eye to these we should always search the Word. O for grace to study the Bible with Jesus as both our teacher and our lesson!
Ahhh... I'm refreshed... Spurgeon will preach!
Rick in Va
Late Saturday night, I realized Thomas was not so doubtful as he was depressed, and he probably had a death wish. He was the devoted disciple, ready to go to Bethany and die with Jesus. He was the only one not hiding behind locked doors for fear of Jesus' killers. I suspect Thomas wished they would kill him, too. But his living Lord brought him back.
Is Jesus doing the same thing here with these two grief-striken followers? Feeding them first with scripture, then with bread, until they recognize him as the living Word? Jesus seems to go from one mourner to another setting each one free, like in a game of freeze-tag.
Anne in Providence
I was tempted to go with the two running to hide, but almost backed off that idea when the discussion turned to the men returning home. (They did offer to put Jesus up, saying, "Stay with us.") It is probable the pair were going back home. HOWEVER, I guess our homes are a place we can and most likely DO hide. It is quite important that the two did share the story of Jesus, right in the midst of their unbelief! As Wesley was taught and preached, "Preach faith until you have it." It seems Wesley, running home from America under charges over the "Sophie" fiasco, was much the same as these two disciples, going home in frustration and defeat. Yet in continuing to share the story of Jesus, the two disciples found Christ. Much the same as Wesley found Jesus, in the midst of a frustrating period of his preching ministry, at Aldersgate. He kept preaching Christ in the midst of his doubt. Lay people, share your faith until you have it! (That will preach, especially in a Methodist church.) Wesley's heart too, was strangly warmed or burned within him. Perhaps we UM's may have another Walk to Emmaus story in our founder, John Wesley. revup
PS: That last one was for you, RevAmy, on preaching to those with little faith. revup
A strange story, no doubt, but certainly I have heard stranger. No, this was not an alien visitation, at least not within the genre of contemporary science fiction, that of saucer-eyed, unblinking visitors from beyond, that which enthralls so many. Nor was it a story about being visited by the spirits of the deceased, some presence beyond the grave that resides in the dark recesses of the bedroom closet just waiting for us to move from under our protective bed covers. No, it was not such a supernatural occurrence. Yet, with each telling, or in each remembering, goose bumps still travel a tingling path up my arms and I still experience the raising of hair on the nape of my neck, my stomach churns and the bubbling of adrenaline still rushes through my body. Indeed, if it was anything, it was a very strange story.
We were a typical Methodist volunteer mission work team, a bit more skilled than some teams, and much less skilled than others. Yet, where we might have lacked some skill, we certainly had no shortage of enthusiasm and desire. Perhaps we were being faithful, perhaps we were just naïve, but we truly believed that somehow, if we ventured out, we might make a difference in a life enveloped by poverty, heartache, and pain. More energy than skill, a sometimes dangerous combination and so empowered, we went forth.
The team arrived at the job site, a broken home in a broken neighborhood, a neighborhood where most "good" folks rarely venture, a neighborhood replete with all of the signs of urban blight. There were the boarded-up homes, weeds growing high in yards long abandoned. Broken wine and beer bottles could be seen on almost every corner. The shining glass littering the landscape sparkled like diamonds, portraying none of the destruction it's contents had wrought. We stood and surveyed the house, a once beautiful two story home which had represented the good life of the middle-class working world, but now was just another reminder of our sin of refusing to live together, our sin of running from our brother or sister who may look different. White flight and urban blight, the sin of our time.
Yet, the house, even as broken as it was, was still home, home to a young Hispanic mother and her two small children. Dreams were still dreamed and hope still reigned in this place. The promise of better days and a proclamation of future still reverberated from these rotted walls. And so, with the excitement which comes when one does not quite understand the depth of an undertaking, we plunged into our work.
It was not long before we discovered the profundity of our limited knowledge and skill. A few members of the team who were shingling the damaged roof had reached the area around the chimney. They knew that the next step involved placing metal flashing around it's base, but as they stood there scratching their heads, staring blankly at one another, they realized that no one really knew exactly how this was to be done. They had discovered the meaning of impasse and they had not a clue of what to do next.
While this situation transpired above -- unbeknownst to me -- I worked to replace a very rotted bathroom floor. I had just moved outside to cut some of the flooring and was standing at the portable table-saw which we had placed in the front yard, when I felt a presence at my back. Turning slowly around, I found myself facing two young men. It did not take me long to discover that something about their condition was amiss, for they stood on the flat ground in front of me, swaying back and forth as if they were battling a high wind. Yet, the air was calm and as they stumbled over to me, I knew with great certainty, that more than one or two of those broken bottles had belonged to them. They were drunk.
As they stood listing before me, the larger of the two asked if there was work for them to do. I explained this was a ministry, that we were all volunteers, and that we were not getting paid for our efforts. They seemed to understand. They stood there awhile longer, staring with the stupor of inebriation. It appeared that the conversation was complete so I returned to the saw. Suddenly, I noticed one of the fellows heading up the ladder to the roof. I started to call him back, but in my mind's eye, saw him turning in response and falling from the ladder. "Better to let the fellows on the roof deal with him," I thought. With that, I reentered the house thinking nothing further of the event.
At the end of the day, we were picking up our tools and cleaning up the job sight when I heard one of the folks who had been up on the roof, talking excitedly to another member of our team. Kirk was loudly exclaiming, "You wouldn't have believed it!!! You wouldn't have believed it!!!" He then conveyed his story:
"We were working on the roof and had come to the place where we would have to put flashing around the chimney. Well, we realized that none of us knew how to properly do this. We were standing there, circling the chimney and puzzling over our dilemma when we realized there was a drunk guy standing on the roof with us. He said he was looking for work, but we explained that because we were performing a ministry, we had no money to pay him. He stood there a moment and then peered around us, looked at the chimney and said, 'Seems like you are having a bit of a problem.' We explained our dilemma. With that he said, 'Well I am a professional roofer, maybe I can help.'"
He did. He did help, this drunk professional out-of-work roofer. He flashed the chimney and then explained how to finish and cap the roof. Once he was satisfied that they understood how to complete the job, he returned to the ladder and cautiously made his way down. They watched as he slowly ambled down the street, watched as he disappeared around the corner.
And we who were there, we who had come with more excitement than skill, we stood with beating hearts and tingling flesh. We stood alongside the dirty street which ran through the broken-down neighborhood, the street which led to Emmaus, the street traveled by the one whom our eyes did not recognize
the street traveled by the one who we only recognized with our hearts.
Shalom my friends,
Nail-Bender in NC
It occurs to me that this story is not only about listening. And listening again. And listening well. So well, that those speaking do not feel dismissed. dis But, listening and staying with someone until their version of the story is shared. Shared in all of its pain. In all of the pain that that particular person's life brings to that experience. Into that way of knowing the story. We cannot tell any story of death and despair without our own life events and relationships blended in. Jesus knows that. As he listens, he hears them tell his story and theirs in their own words. With their own fears. And their own pain. All at the same time. Until the bottom of their pain and story has been told.It is only, after that kind of telling and listening (and only the one telling his/her story can decide if the one listening is really listening),that Jesus begins to pour his story into the space left by their telling.Jesus shares truth. And, like them,he brings his experience to the story told since Moses. And, because Jesus has listened to them, because he has listened to the 'bottom' of their story...he has helped them exhaust their pain and disappointment. Jesus' listening and staying with them has empowered, enabled,and freed the two men to listen to his story. It seems to me, that by the time they break bread, what they have listened to has been processed. They are not held back from processing and reflecting because their own pain no longer holds them captive. They told their story to Jesus. He chose to hold on to it, to contain it so they could be free to hear and understand the truth. As they 'broke open' their story. And as Jesus 'broke open' the scriptures, so, together, they 'break bread'. Sharing, like breaking bread is relational. It is covenental. A giving and a taking. A breaking open of our stories, of ourselves. Lisa/GA
It occurs to me that this story is not only about listening. And listening again. And listening well. So well, that those speaking do not feel dismissed. dis But, listening and staying with someone until their version of the story is shared. Shared in all of its pain. In all of the pain that that particular person's life brings to that experience. Into that way of knowing the story. We cannot tell any story of death and despair without our own life events and relationships blended in. Jesus knows that. As he listens, he hears them tell his story and theirs in their own words. With their own fears. And their own pain. All at the same time. Until the bottom of their pain and story has been told.It is only, after that kind of telling and listening (and only the one telling his/her story can decide if the one listening is really listening),that Jesus begins to pour his story into the space left by their telling.Jesus shares truth. And, like them,he brings his experience to the story told since Moses. And, because Jesus has listened to them, because he has listened to the 'bottom' of their story...he has helped them exhaust their pain and disappointment. Jesus' listening and staying with them has empowered, enabled,and freed the two men to listen to his story. It seems to me, that by the time they break bread, what they have listened to has been processed. They are not held back from processing and reflecting because their own pain no longer holds them captive. They told their story to Jesus. He chose to hold on to it, to contain it so they could be free to hear and understand the truth. As they 'broke open' their story. And as Jesus 'broke open' the scriptures, so, together, they 'break bread'. Sharing, like breaking bread is relational. It is covenental. A giving and a taking. A breaking open of our stories, of ourselves. Lisa/GA
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts this week. This Sunday marks my first at a new, two-point charge, and it's my first parish as rector (pastor) after over two years as an assistant curate. I've been very nervous. What can I say to these people, most of whom I've never met? Will they not judge me forever on what I say and do on this one day? My thoughts were very me-focussed. _My_ ministry, _my_ sermon, _my_ first impressions.
Your reflections have brought me back to where the focus should have been all along. As long as I focussed on me, I was banging my head against a wall trying to prepare the perfect sermon. Now that my focus has returned to asking what God wants me to say to these people, I'm finding myself brinning over with ideas.
Thanks again, and any and all prayers as I begin this new ministry would be heartily appreciated, as well.
Heather in Sharon/Holland Landing, Ontario
A reversal: After Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit their "eyes were opened" and they knew they were naked. On the Emmaus Road, the discipes "eyes are open" and they know they have seen the Lord. At the time fo the fall, they focused on themselves, their shame; during the resurrection appearances, they focus on the one before them. - their thoughts and their heart move away from self toward the holy Other.
I read all the postings so far as today, and was wondering if any of you had read Pauline Bell's article about the Walk to Emmaus. She was the communications officer for the World Council of churches and a great Gospel preacher. She found it clear to her that the people on the road were Mr. & Mrs. Cleophas [probably the Mary mentioned in John] and they were not stopping at a wayside roadhouse as is so often pictured in religious art, but at their own house, trying the share with Jesus the miserable leftovers of their cupboards from the last time they had been home. If this was Mary, and she had just been standing at the foot of the Cross, watching her hope die a ghastly death, it is not surprising that her eyes were veiled and her recognition came only with the banquet of the Risen Christ. To me, this thought dispels most summations of the Lucan story as a metaphor for the foundation of the Church, and rather grounds it in concrete experience which I can also share. Blessings, Aloha in SoCal.
Well, here I am out in right field watching the dandelions grow --- again. I just don't see the sadness in this passage. They were talking about "all the events that had happened." This is Easter Day, the first Easter Day. Why would they be hiding, running away? Isn't it possible they were on their way to tell the people of their hometown what had happened. Couldn't they have been going to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified, and risen from the dead? They tell their companion that "some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive." Why is the joy any less here than in the telling from John's gospel? Yes, they did not recognize Him, but that doesn't mean they were sad. Haven't you wished you could put your fingers in his hands and side? Perhaps they only wished they had been as privileged as the others . . .
just thoughts.
RevJan
PS My dandelions are growing very well. How 'bout yours?
Dear Heather,
Congratulations! I know that butterfly feeling the first Sunday.... A good friend of mine, a great Pastor once told me words to this effect: Let them know that you love God and love them. Everything that matters will flow from that love.... My translation of this was to learn their names, look them in the eye, and express my great joy at being with them. That is still my translation. My sermons count, but it seems that they know God loves them, and they tend to forgive my many shortcomings.
May God richly bless you,
HW in HI
Well, after 30 minutes, I don't find my posting, so forgive me if it ends up with two of the same.
Well, here I am out in right field watching the dandelions grow --- again. I just don't see the sadness in this passage. They were talking about "all the events that had happened." This is Easter Day, the first Easter Day. Why would they be hiding, running away? Isn't it possible they were on their way to tell the people of their hometown what had happened. Couldn't they have been going to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified, and risen from the dead? They tell their companion that "some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive." Why is the joy any less here than in the telling from John's gospel? Yes, they did not recognize Him, but that doesn't mean they were sad. Haven't you wished you could put your fingers in his hands and side? Perhaps they only wished they had been as privileged as the others . . .
just thoughts.
RevJan
PS My dandelions are growing very well. How 'bout yours?
HW and donaldhoff
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I visit this site for insight to teach an adult Sunday School class.
I guess I do carry the belief that the clegy have a special channel of truth. It is a comforting thought for me.
The different perspectives expressed at DPS open great dialogue for our class. We thank you all! pm
G'day
Onceagain - great comments & discussion this week. I'm pondering the idea of preaching on "Hindsight and Foresight". So often when we look back, we can see the presence of the risen Christ in our lives - even through tough times, although at the time we don't see Him there. (As was the case for the two on the road.) There is a poem about footprints in the sand. A traveller, looking back notices that sometimes there are two sets of prints and sometimes only one. God says that when there is only one set of prints that He carries us. (in the poem, its much better said!!!) Anyway - if we can see the presence of God with HINDSIGHT, then I'd like to encourage my people to have the faith to look for God with 'NOWSIGHT' (?) and anticipate Him with 'FORESIGHT'!!!!
Another thought: I looked up Emmaus in my Greek Lexicon (my Greek skills are pretty lame)and noticed that it is listed between "Emmanuel" - God with us and "Emmeno" - to remain steadfast.
I wonder if there is a clever association of words here - our travellers are on the road to steadfast faith in the God who is with us. I like it but I'm not sure if its good Greek. PLEASE stop me before Sunday if I'm off the track here!
GP in SA
Welcome, Heather! God equips those who have been called to God's work -- and DPS is one way God does that! These folks minister to me more than they will ever know. Thanks, Nailbender, Susan in San Pedro, HW in HI, Manzel, dhoff, Latina, all of you.
Now, pm, clergy don't carry any special "channel of truth" -- any more than any of the baptized do! We are often more DESPERATE than the lay folk because of all of those short deadlines we face! All it takes is being open to what the Spirit of God is trying to whisper in your ear. And often, the more "voices" you hear begin to raise the same theme, like a fugue.
Thank you again, Frank and the folks in your congregation for making DPS possible.
Preacherlady
Heather, in Ontario,
Welcome to the most wonderful calling in the world - the pastoral ministry. I add my well wishes for your new work there and echo what's been said: Just love the people God has given you with everything you've got ... and then some. Open the Scriptures for them - again - and bring them to the table of the Lord, and you will recognize the presence of Christ - together.
Peace,
OKBob
There's a wonderful magical element to this story. Only an artist or a poet can begin to capture it. Rembrandt and Roualt have tried. We can analyze, catalog, exegete, measure, quantify. But in the end, science can't bring us there. It's like a soul friend, a moment of oneness. We connect with another human being soul to soul. We recognize Jesus as God's anointed one.
But then, it vanishes, and all we have left is a memory, and a conviction that we have been changed forever by another.
Is religion an obligation, or is it like falling in love? Do I fill my life up with shoulds? Or do I respond to the lover of my soul? Do I sing a song, write a poem, paint a picture? Or do I sit on a committee?
We fill our lives up with things we can see, but we just cannot touch. (Bob Dylan)
Shalom, Larry cny
Just a simple thought-this the equivalent of Monday for the people of Jesus' time- one was not usually allowed to travel on the Sabbath, but you could go back to everyday routine and everyday preoccupations on Sunday-though this is an Easter season sermon, it also deals with "ordinary time" and shows it as extraordinary RevGilmer in Texarkana
Just a simple thought-this the equivalent of Monday for the people of Jesus' time- one was not usually allowed to travel on the Sabbath, but you could go back to everyday routine and everyday preoccupations on Sunday-though this is an Easter season sermon, it also deals with "ordinary time" and shows it as extraordinary RevGilmer in Texarkana
Four things pop out in this text:
First, Jesus is made known in the breaking of the bread. This begs the question, "How?" and thus follows nineteen centuries of debate - but that the Resurrected Lord is made known we should not doubt, but rather celebrate.
Second, the Road to Emmaus follows the structure of the Eucharist: the liturgy of the word (scripture and explanation) followed by the liturgy of the table. To recognise Jesus in the breaking of the bread we need to be instructed. Going to the table is a response to the instruction.
Third, it is Jesus who does the instructing and celebrating. Yes, we who are clergy often think that it is us who do the teaching and celebrating, but at best we are merely (prominent) vehicles by which the spirit and mind of Jesus begins to work within the believer.
Finally, Jesus meets us on the way. Wherever we are, the Resurrected Lord can and will meet us, instruct us, and through the eucharist raise us up with joy. Jesus meets us, unexpectedly.
Bruce on Pender Island, BC
Thinking about knowing Christ in the "breaking of the bread": both how we experience Jesus in the sacrament of the Body as well as in the Church as the Body. Am thinking I will use this meditation called "BREAD" on Sunday:BREAD
I've always kind of had a thing about bread. As a child, I went off to school every day with bread and butter sandwiches -- only Weber's would do -- with the crusts removed. The crusts were saved in a plastic bag in the freezer to take to the Arboretum to feed the ducks -- fat, waddling, noisy old things who lived off the bits and pieces rejected by picky little girls like me. Bread was the main ingredient in many of my favorite things: french toast, bread pudding, and "brown sugar toast" -- a specialty of my Grandma Tillie. My early years were filled with an abundance of both bread and people who prepared it to may liking. Pudgy, indulged and privileged it seemed that bread -- soft, white and usually smeared with something sweet -- was something I would always relate to.
I was right, but now I prepare the bread. Not the white kind from the blue and white checkered Weber's package, but the light brown kind -- kneaded and shaped, marked with a cross, baked and broken ... bread destined to become what we call in our tradition "the holy food of new and unending life." It is an awesome privilege to bake the bread for communion, and as I worked the dough on the floured board one morning, it occurred to me that when the church becomes more like the bread that feeds it, we will have inched closer to the coming of the kingdom.
The ingredients were set out, ready to be combined in the big yellow mixing bowl: flour and shortening, sugar, salt and an egg -- and the yeast: turned frothy in the measuring cup of hot water. Separate and distinct when lined up on the counter, each of these items would serve a different but essential function when kneaded together into the dough which would become our bread.
The large pile of flour and the tiny packet of yeast were equal in importance: without either of them, the final creation would be less than it was meant to be. Mixed together, kneaded and left to rise on the window sill in the afternoon sun and then baked in the heat of the oven they would be transformed into a new thing -- brown and fragrant, crusty and warm -- ready to be the food offered to feed both body and soul in a very hungry world.
The volume of flour many times outweighed the other ingredients -- bur bread would not have happened if the flour had used its majority status to argue for the exclusion from the mixing bowl of the insistent salt or the disruptive yeast. Each had to play its own role in the process of becoming bread: to be wrenched from its own bag or box or packet where it was comfortable and with its own kind and combined with things which were "other." And the bread which emerged from the oven resulted from the interaction of those ingredients as much as it did from the kneading and shaping of the baker, or the heat of the oven.
As the church, we are called to be the body of Christ in the world: a body symbolized for us by the bread we break each time we gather. Yet, how often we settle for my childhood relationship with the bread that God has given us. I know there are times when I am still that little girl who wants her bread the way she wants it: safe and familiar, and prepared for me by someone else -- sweet and with the crusts cut off. I don't want to participate in the process: I just want to be fed by what I expect. Sure, the ducks can have the leftovers -- just as long as I get mine first.
The radical transformation which takes place between the time the ingredients are lined up on the counter and the fragrant loaf emerges from the oven will never happen if I cling to that understanding of this bread God has given us to eat -- of this body God has called us to be.
The redemption of creation will never happen if we cling to "the way we've always done it" within our congregations -- if we insist on having the crusts which are "other" cut off and settle for sharing only our scraps with the rest of the world.
It will never happen if we stay safe in our containers -- wrapping creeds and formulas and rituals around us like the bag around the flour, protecting itself from the influence of the frothy yeast or the pungent salt --isolating ourselves from the very things that are essential to the becoming the bread God would have us be.
There's a hungry world waiting to be fed and we the ones who have been called to feed it: both to offer and to be the bread of life. For God has called us to be a new thing -- and to get there, we must first be mixed up, kneaded and punched, left to rise and then subjected to the heat of the oven. This is not what I had in mind for my life, I can tell you -- yet I've always kind of had a thing about bread.
Susan in SanPedro
My Sister Susan,
Thank you so much for your beautiful soliloquy. Indeed, this journey with the one who is the bread and calls us to be the bread, moves us beyond the bowl and into the world. To refuse the world is to refuse the bread, to refuse the Christ. If only we might dine with Jesus and have our eyes opened to his possibilities - even the possibility of his presence in the person of a drunk roofer. I wonder, if such possibilities exist, how then would we ever again reject our brother or sister - how then would we ever again reject our own brokeness.
Thank you for your voice my sister. If you would allow me to use your story, I would be greatly appreciative. Please email me at rccandcc@carolina.net
Shalom, Nail-Bender in NC
I'm struck by the notion that it's only because the disciples offer hospitality to a stranger and let that stranger take the lead in their home that they discover the stranger is Jesus.
Also that though the passage has eucharistic overtones for Lk. and for the church, if it really did happen, these particular disciples probably were not at the last passover supper with Jesus. They hadn't heard him say "do this in remembrance of me." But they may have seen him give thanks over those loaves and fishes before he multiplied, them, or may have been with him at various dinner parties, etc.
We'll have 50 or so loaves of bread on our altar table Sun. a.m. At the end of the service, everyone will be invited to come forward for the benediction and closing hymn, and each family unit will take a loaf of bread home with instructions to break it as a family or with guests, being on the lookout for Jesus Christ in their midst. (Thankfully someone in the church was willing to make all the phone calls to ask folks to bring bread!)
Kay
To Barry in Ohio and RP in Georgia--like you I've read the Crossen stuff on Emmaus but instead of being comforted by his observation I am quite frankly troubled by his seemingly casual dismissal of the story as impossibly non-historical, and instead a metaphor for early church experiences. Question: Where does one draw the line between the "metaphorical" truth of the Gospel and historical truth? Was the person of Jesus as the incarnate Christ just a metaphor, an unconscious projection by a community in desperate need of reform and hope? Is the story of the crucifixion merely a fantasy concocted to portray Jesus as a martyr? I truly believe we do not encounter a "metaphor" in Christ--instead we meet truly the living God, face to face, then and now. The problem I have with Crossen, Borg, et al is that they minimize the radicalness of their "dehistorification" of the person of Jesus Christ--I think either we believe JC was a real person and the incarnation of our Creator God, in the flesh, walking among us, or we can see it(I suppose) as just a lovely and comforting idea--a myth in the worst sense of the word, a spiritual fairy tale meant to comfort us when the night gets too dark. Emmaus happened and Emmaus happens, not symbolically but really.
This has nothing to do with the scripture - just a question: does anyone know how to access published sermons (historical or contemporary) on the web, indexed by text? Like you could look up Luke 24:13-35 and see what sermons have been preached on that text by Augustine or Craddock or Fosdick or Calvin or whomever . . if you know, kculp@awod.com would be your friend for life. Thanks.
Welcome Heather!
I can't add much to the wisdom already expressed here by yourself and others, but I wanted you to know that my prayers will most definitely be with you on Sunday. I am approaching the first anniversary of my ordination, and know well the anxieties that you have so masterfully navigated this week. I would deeply affirm HW's assertion that it is important to show your congregation that you love God and love being with them. At the risk of sounding like a "wise old sage" (after a whole year!), I would suggest another useful preaching tool -- smile! That probably sounds a little goofy, but it's a tool that I've found useful. It puts me at ease, and seems to be a good "connector". Of course, not every sermon will have a point in it where a big old smile is going to work, but when the opportunity presents itself, it shows people your joy in loving and serving the Lord.
Many, many blessings Heather,
SueCan
Dear Friends,
In the adult leaders guide in "The Inviting Word" a Sunday School curriculum that seeks to connect worship and the Sunday School hour, they suggest the "breaking of bread" which led to the disciples recognition of Jesus also pointed them back - to see Jesus' presence with them on the road even though they had not recognize him. And it also pointed them forward - as they left the table to go and tell what they had heard and seen.
That is a helpful outline for this text, it seems. The sacramental table helps us to look back - and see Jesus in our own midst even when we, too, have not recognized him (who of us has not had the experience of knowing Jesus was with us after making it through some valley we were sure would be the end of us or the end of our faith. I'm reminded too of the popular poem "Footprints." And the sacramental table also causes us to look forward - to look forward to telling what we, too, have seen and heard - Jesus is not dead he is alive indeed and we have seen him on the roads of our lives and witnessed him at the table.
Grace and peace, Jerry in MN
Heather,
Ditto the suggestions from HW in HI. Love the people as you love your Lord. You will be in my prayers and in our morning prayers this Sunday. Preach the Word. Be urgent in and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort. Be unfailing in patience and teaching. May God's presence be real this Sunday. rwr in nc
Nail-Bender, as always your illustration was 'on the money.' Susan, thanks so much for making holy an 'everyday' experience. I, too, make bread, tho' not for communion. Perhaps one day, we will make bread together as a congregation. HW, please come up with these brilliant ideas sooner!!! Now I have to figure out where to get twenty loaves of bread by Sunday. Even the breakmaker doesn't work that fast . . . Luckily, I have some small loaf pans from Katie . . .
RevJan
RevJan -- just a point of honor due -- the brilliant idea is Kay's -- and I doubt I have time to pull it off this year, but I love it! -- HW in HI
GP of SA..
I love it when people find a treasure like yours....a surprise.... when you wrote...
<<Another thought: I looked up Emmaus in my Greek Lexicon (my Greek skills
are pretty lame)and noticed that it is listed between "Emmanuel" - God
with us and "Emmeno" - to remain steadfast.
I wonder if there is a clever association of words here - our travellers
are on the road to steadfast faith in the God who is with us. I like it
but I'm not sure if its good Greek. PLEASE stop me before Sunday if I'm
off the track here! >>
I have found some insights reading the words which border the original word I was looking up in the dictionary. Once i had to deliver a Baccalaurette to a HS class, so went and found that it is boundied by Babysitting and Baccal orgy! Now go from there. also had some sisters in our community who loved each and wanted to expressed that spritually. They had discussed getting married, but found that the word marriage was tied to, and belonged to the straight community. We looked in the dictionary and found that marriage was bounded by the Marram... an Old Norse word meaning the protective place on a beach where sand and grass find support with each other..... wrote a liturgy around it.
As a technique, I have found that it is sometimes a helpful way of seeking some direction in sermon or ministry. You show us that in your example of seeking... keep it up. Think I go with your lead.... the text is powerful... we will celebrate Eucharist with it... dividing up the text...with 10 chairs around a simple table in the front of the sanctuary...people will sit, one presider will break a loaf of bread, pass it, then pass the try of cups.... though we usually intinct.
donaldhoff@aol.com
Elmira, NY
Greetings:
The story doesn't end with them recognizing him in the breaking of the bread. Sometimes I think we view the Eucharist as an end to our troubled week. The Eucharist is really the beginning of a new week!
Shalom, WJA in Sutter Creek, CA.
Hello, friends (isn't there a Clapton Song aprroximating that greeting?). Just a couple of thoughts "along the road". Item: there's real continuity with Cleopas (and whomever) and the other disciples' journeys with Jesus. First, it's a journey, Lukan style (see 9:51). Second, there is the opening of scripture and the breaking of bread.Item: There's continuity between the Emmaus pilgrims' trek and ours. Rick's analysis this week hints at this continuity (hopefully a comfort to us). I came across some information suggesting that the texts weren't very clear on the ACTUAL destination to Emmaus (how many stadia?). I still like to think this scriptural account is historical. Even so, it's not MERELY historical. The vaguery of WHERE everybody's headed Emmaus(?) invites US to to the journey of faith Luke maps out in the gospel. ITEM: Jesus made known in the breaking of bread.I'm reminded of the hortatory passages in 1 Corinthians 11 about discerning the Lord's Body. The context there being discerning the community of Christ. When we receive communion (commune) part of the reality at work is God's Spirit calling us and gathering us into community with Christ as center (Uh oh...The Lutheran unmasked as he quotes Luther's Small catechism).ITEM: The pericope text and the narrative closes with the travelers going out AT night BACK to Jerusalem and rejoining the tattered disciple community as they recount their LIVING EXPERIENCES with the LIVING CHRIST. The poignant story shared in this forum about sharing communion with an "antagonist" is a reminder about the trouble God seems to have go to in order to bring us into community--with its warts and all. Personally, as one struggling with some of that right now, the story gave me a bit of an "ah-hah" moment-Christ revealed in the breaking of bread.Hmmm. Blessings to you all. bc in mt
This is a very late addition:
The despair the disciples felt following the crucifixion must have been overwhelming - they were now aimless and their desolation overpowered them. They were down cast - and the more they talked among themselves the more depressed they became - they were unable to help each other. We have all been there. We know this experience of despair and anxiety. They are no different than ourselves. Suddenly a stranger meet them. For us this stranger could be a temptation, a challenge, facing death, etc. The stranger lives both within us and outside of us, but remains always unreckonizable. The stranger stirs within them. Truth is always found outside of ourselves. At the moment of the breaking of the bread they recognize Jesus not only as risen, but also themselves lifted up out of their gloominess - they two rise from desolation into consolation. These disciples are about us - they tell our story.
tom in ga
This is a very late addition:
The despair the disciples felt following the crucifixion must have been overwhelming - they were now aimless and their desolation overpowered them. They were down cast - and the more they talked among themselves the more depressed they became - they were unable to help each other. We have all been there. We know this experience of despair and anxiety. They are no different than ourselves. Suddenly a stranger meet them. For us this stranger could be a temptation, a challenge, facing death, etc. The stranger lives both within us and outside of us, but remains always unreckonizable. The stranger stirs within them. Truth is always found outside of ourselves. At the moment of the breaking of the bread they recognize Jesus not only as risen, but also themselves lifted up out of their gloominess - they two rise from desolation into consolation. These disciples are about us - they tell our story.
tom in ga
OKBob- You jump started my sermon! Thanks a ton!
Peace, Abby in Evanston
To the author of the piece that asks: "Is the story of the crucifixion merely a fantasy concocted to portray Jesus as a martyr? "
If it is, I am a damn fool! Also the many who followed Him to martyrdom and the thousands of believers that converted upon hearing the Word, and the millions that have since converted. If the resurrection is a metaphor, let's all play golf on Sunday morning -- or sleep in!
Sorry, couldn't resist....
HW in HI
I keep coming back to the notion of Jesus as stranger. No matter how well we know, or think we know, him, there is still something elusive, uncapturable, unquantifiable about him; he goes beyond, above, below, and around our expectations of him (such as "we had thought he would be the one to redeem Israel"). I've also been playing around with the idea of how we sometimes open ourselves up to strangers in a way that we cannot/will not open up to our closest relations. I'm thinking of bus trips and plane trips I have taken when I have had deeply meaningful conversations with strangers I have wound up sitting next to. I suppose this happens because there is less risk opening ourselves up to a stranger than to someone we have an ongoing relationship with--someone who may not truly respect what we have shared, someone who may, in fact, use what we have shared against us, or betray our confidence and pass it on to others. Jesus is that perfect Stranger/Friend with whom we can share our deepest selves without risk.