Devotional Reading from the Daily Common Lectionary: Luke 24:13-35

Text: Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. (v. 13)

“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus….”  So begins the story commonly referred to as “the walk to Emmaus”. The two disciples were overtaken by a Stranger who helped them understand all of the events that had occurred over the previous three days, including the unbelievable stories of that first Easter. At the end of the day they invited the Stranger to share a meal with them. At table, the Stranger took the bread and broke it, gave it to them and their eyes were opened. It was Jesus, the Resurrected Lord. No sooner did they recognize Him then He vanished from their sight! 

I believe that the Emmaus story is our story. I believe that the Resurrected One walks into our lives largely unrecognized and more often than we realize. When Holy Stranger touches us, whispers to us, He brings comfort in the midst of our doubts and uncertainties. The Stranger calls us to consider the mysteries of our life experience. When we gather together with other followers and break bread together, sharing with one another, supporting one another, encouraging one another, praying for one another and bathed in their prayers for us, well then, we Experience Him in a new way. 

We cannot follow Jesus alone. That is not how God created us. We must walk with one another sharing joys and sorrows, victories and defeats, life and death. And in the midst of all of this, He is there. The Stranger is there. Jesus Himself is there leading the way with what some call prevenient Grace. 

Lord, thank you for walking this journey we call life with me.  I especially thank You for the fellow travelers that You have placed in my life. Amen.