With Easter Joy on the Road to Emmaus
It is two weeks since our wonderful Easter ceremonies. And what a joyous Easter Celebration it was. From the solemnity of Holy Thursday through to Good Friday, then to the joy of Christ Risen on Saturday night, we gathered to worship and celebrate together.
Alongside Easter so much has been happening in our world. Some have been away travelling as school holidays have coincided with Easter. The Wellington city streets have been quiet while families take time out. We have had severe weather storms across the North Island which fortunately for Wellington delivered some heavy rain but nothing damaging. And, of course, the threat of disruptions and increases in the cost of living, as leaders far from our shores talk war and destruction upon everyday people who have no power. No one would blame us for being despondent and fearful about what the future holds. Not just for New Zealand at the bottom of the world but for family and friends overseas, some much closer to the violence than we are.
Today we have the story of the journey to Emmaus and the revelation to the disciples that it was Jesus who walked alongside them. The disciples were at a loss, they had lost control of their lives. Their revered leader had been crucified and all they felt was despair that their world had seemingly gone mad. Does some of this sound familiar?
Something happens on the road to Emmaus. As the two disciples journey home a stranger joins them and he opens their eyes and hearts to the real story of the resurrection. With this, their spirits lift and they are joyous as they realise the precious gift they have received.
Maybe for us too, an encounter with Jesus in the celebration of the Mass or through another person or may change our perspective and attitude to our world. May we too feel that lift of spirit and a new sense of joy that transcends the concerns and challenges of our days as we journey through the Easter period to Pentecost. The situation the disciples were in did not change but it was their hearts that did.
May our hearts be open to the stranger for their presence could transform our lives.
Jane Kelly