The Road to Emmaus

Rereading Luke’s account of two followers of Jesus on their road to Emmaus,

totally distraught and disheartened after seeing Judas’ betrayal of Jesus as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by Jesus’ arrest, trial, and sentence to be crucified.  This was the man- the prophet-  whom they had seen perform miracles, teach the multitudes, and whom they believed might be their promised Messiah, come to rescue Israel.  But now that had ended, all hope was gone, and   they were lonely and bereft.  They did not recognize the stranger who joined them on the road and continued on with them to Emmaus where they stayed the night and they broke bread together.  Only when sharing these common things were their “eyes opened” and they recognized who he was.

We have recently experienced a year, and more, filled with disheartening things:

mobs rioting in the streets, a Covid pandemic, hospitals crowded and emergency rooms left with no room, mass shootings, police brutality, angry people attacking the capital, racism, and separation, loss, and deaths in families we love.  It has often felt lonely, sad, and hopeless.  And I am made to wonder if there have been times when we were not able to recognize the one who walked beside us on our sometimes very difficult road.

Among our times of mourning and loss, the ringing of our doorbell announcing the face of a stranger holding a small bouquet of flowers out toward us;  the cards and notes from both friends and bare acquaintances with comforting messages; the box

of gourmet goodies bearing the sign “Thinking of You”; the phone calls, emails, and loving comments in the hallways.  Add to this the blooming of myriads of bright daffodils, tulips, and crocuses -- and looking down from our windows at streets lined with trees covered in blossoms of pink and white; early Spring sunshine warming our bodies  as we sat on the roof’s beautiful Penthouse Gardens, lovingly tended by caring residents.  The private moments, during music, prayers, or meditation, that we felt the blessings of assurance, of an inner peace,  knowing we are loved and cared for.   We are not alone on our journey,  on our road to Emmaus.

Joyce Heintz

April, 2021