Transformation and Accompaniment
This weekend’s Gospel reveals the transforming power of an encounter with the risen Lord. We listen to the story of the two disciples who were journeying to Emmaus, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection. Disappointed, the disciples had left Jerusalem, where their hopes had been destroyed. Jesus, whom they believed had promised a new kingdom, had been crucified, died, and was buried. They believed all their hopes and expectations had been shattered and had come to nothing. As they journeyed, they were joined by a stranger, with whom they shared this disappointment and frustration. As they recounted the events that had taken place, Jesus interpreted for them what had referred to him in the scriptures. Then later in the evening he ate with them and taking the bread said a blessing, broke it and gave it to them, and the disciples were transformed.
The story of Emmaus begins and ends with a journey as does our Sunday Eucharist experience. Walking with family and friends, neighbours, and other parishioners, we are always accompanied by another presence, our risen Lord. To sense our Lord’s presence, to be conscious of His walking with us is the beginning of our Eucharistic experience. At our Sunday Eucharist we gather as community to listen to God’s Word and are united together in prayer. We gather, united around God’s table to be fed, to share our Lord’s body. Here we meet the risen Lord who empowers us and from here we are sent out to live and share the Good News, to be transformed and to transform.
In the Emmaus story Jesus accompanied the disciples, he met where they were, in their grief, in their frustration and disillusionment, and journeyed with them and they were transformed. Reflecting on this Gospel we are reminded and challenged to recognise Jesus Christ present within each of us. How often do we recognise Christ within each other? How can we look past the surface and see Jesus alive and working within the goodness of others? How will others see him in us? And how are we called to accompany others as individuals and as a parish community?
Debbie Matheson
Lay Pastoral Leader/Parish Leader
