On the Road Again

But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:12-35

We are on the road again, here in Allentown, here to help out as our daughter returns to work. Her world has changed dramatically. When Lillian came into the world in May, Adam and Ariel started being full time parents. All the other things they used to do have had to take a back seat to her needs. Life is fuller with Lilly in our lives, and here close to Emmaus (PA), on the road that leads right there, it is startling to realize how challenging wonderful transitions can be, and how we all can't take all the information and changes in at first.

The disciples were walking on the road. Their lives had changed drastically, their leader dead, then missing, and they had no idea how to go forward in their lives. They met a stranger and talked with him at length and never realized who they were talking to. Knee deep in transition and twisting with the changes they were facing, overwhelmed and trying to figure out how to go ahead. We humans can miss God's touch, and the presence of the eternal when we are struggling on the road.

As this day ends, I want to give thanks for God's love which goes down every road with us and is ever willing to commune with us even when we can't take it in. May the coming days be time of openness and welcome, knowing that God is on the road with us wherever we may go, and no matter what challenges we face.