Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles* from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad.* 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ 19He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth,* who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But 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 took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and 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. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ 25Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah* should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. Luke 24:13-27
I mentioned earlier this week that I'd been to the doctor. It was the POTS specialist that I'd been wanting to see for months, and the visit was helpful. The visit was also overwhelming in some ways. It took time and energy to travel, it was a blessedly long appointment, and I came away with a new game plan. We also came away with new info, and more tests that needed to take place, and a lot that we need to process. I suspect all of this sounds familiar to many of you.
I also came away with a lot of emotion to process. So much information to consider in a short time, as well as my own 'inner stuff' about this chronic illness journey, and you have the perfect recipe for overwhelm.
As we see the disciples on the way to Emmaeus, we see that they are in complete overwhelm. The information they had received about the anticipated Messiah through the past several days went in a completely different direction than they ever expected. They never, ever imagined that the Messiah would die a criminal's death. On top of this we are told that they are sad. There's more going on here than just trying to understand the information...they are sad. They are dealing with the loss of someone who was important to them, and with it the loss of an expected way of future life.
We are told that Jesus opened up the scriptures to them and helped them understand why the Messiah must be crucified and die. And in the breaking of the bread with Jesus, their eyes were opened. They saw who was with them.
In my sharing some of the medical information with a trusted friend, he understandably responded "I am certain I cannot fully comprehend the emotional and spiritual toll this information must be taking upon you." Now, this friend and mentor is one of the best pastoral counselors I know, and a wonderful shepherd of the Lord's flock. I appreciated his honest answer. I also let him know that I didn't expect him to comprehend that which I couldn't understand. I just needed him to walk with me, so I could process some of it.
There are times when we need answers, from doctors, from counselors, from family. There are times when we need people who can help us sort out the facts. But very often there also is a need for someone to just listen and walk with us. That is a huge gift. There are folks who have been there for us in the past who for whatever reason, whether their own life events, or their own overwhelm at what we're facing who cannot be open to all the data and emotion that we're processing. That's just the way it is.
But for those who are willing and able to walk along this journey with us, through all the wilderness that it is, and help by listening and simply being there accept us where we are, and hear what it is like for us-- THAT is a beautiful gift~
I invite us all to seek out and cultivate those relationships in our lives. Pray for those who walk with us. Be honest and appreciative of what they offer, and let them know how they can best help you at that time. Those people may be in your house, or a friend or other family member. Or those people might be right here on this blog. My hope is that everyone who comes here will have the gift of at least one person who is walking this journey with them. I also invite you, if you are a person who has found Holy Communion to be an important part of your spiritual life to consider how long it has been since you've communed. If you've been unable to get out and about, I strongly suggest that you contact your pastor or church office and ask to receive home communion if they offer it.
And in that walking together, we will most likely experience Jesus walking with us, to help us understand, and who will feed us for this journey with his very own life.
Living Lord, comfort us by your presence. Nurture relationships in our life that are supportive and life-giving, and help us to know you are always with us on this journey. Amen.
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