Reflection on the Gospel reading: Luke 24: 13-35 – Rev. Alison Westervelt 

Well, it has been 7 weeks since we were told we could not meet for worship. It may be a little while until we are able to do so again. And while we all understand the necessity for this it is very hard. For some it is frightening., for some annoying and for many it leaves us with a terrible feeling of isolation and loneliness, even incompleteness. 

Usually, life is ordinary and sometimes it is painful. But that is when we do the most learning and growing. That is when we have the greatest opportunity to encounter the risen Jesus . . . if we have eyes to see. 

After the crucifixion Jesus’ disciples were huddled together, hidden in a room, afraid that a knock would come at the door with Roman soldiers ready to arrest them. They had no idea what was going to happen next and I am sure they argued about what their next step should be.

As the sun rose on Sunday morning and the Passover feast came to an end, two others of Jesus’s followers, disillusioned and resolving to leave their foolish dreams in Jerusalem, left for home. The dejected pair began the seven-mile walk to Emmaus even as rumors of resurrection circulated among the ranks of Jesus’s disciples.                                                                                                                                                

Luke describes the disciples’ conversation as bantering ideas back and forth with great emotion in a shared search for answers. The disillusioned followers desperately wanted to know why their expectations of the Messiah had come to such a tragic end.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” (Luke 24:14-17)                                                                                                                                        

As Luke tells the story of the two despondent disciples on the road to Emmaus, we cannot help but identify with their pain. We, too, are pilgrims on a journey through life. We, too, become overwhelmed and embattled over life’s circumstances from time to time. We, too, can lose heart when our expectations come to an end. But remember, every trial is an opportunity to discover what God wants us to see.                                                                                                                                   

Circumstances, especially those involving loss, are usually perceived as difficult because reality does not mesh with our expectations. The two followers on the road to Emmaus undoubtedly felt utterly alone as they mourned the death of their dreams. During their suffering, God was indeed nearby, as He is nearby to you and to me. Like the two on the road to Emmaus, we do not travel alone. God is with us.

Almighty God,                                                                                                                                                                           

You have created a beautiful world for us to live in. You have given us community, friendships and people who care. Thank you.                                                                                                                                                                                     

At this time, when it is safer for us to stay apart due to this Covid-19 coronavirus, remind us that we are not alone. Help us to find ways to reach out to others, easing their burden whenever and wherever possible. Keep us in good health and good humour so that we might not feed into the fear that can so easily grow at this time. Help us, through our interactions with others, and our study of you, to anchor ourselves in your love and bring our hearts and minds to a place of peace.                                                                                                                               

We ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN

1. Continued prayers for you and your loved ones. In these times of uncertainty, please stay close to the Risen Lord and lean on His strength and courage.
2. In this Easter season, we will witness those who doubt (Thomas) and those who did not recognize the Risen Lord at first glance (Mary Magdalene, Peter, the disciples at Emmaus). We may be feeling that way ourselves.  Where is God in all this?  How can I recognize the Risen Lord when I feel so anxious, alone, depressed or even desperate?
3. Our Risen Lord is in the phone call, letter, text or email that reaches into your life. He is in the family member, friend, neighbour or acquaintance who picks up groceries or medications and just gives you a kindly wave.  He is in the hope that daily medical and government briefings bring that eventually there will be an end to this.
4. Look for signs of the Risen Lord. Mary Magdalene recognized His voice – He speaks to us in prayer.  Thomas recognized Him in His wounds – He is with those who are suffering.  The disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Him in Scripture and in the breaking of bread – read the Bible, take communion when we all get back to church.  Peter recognized Him when he caught an unexpected load of fish after a night of nothing and when Jesus made the disciples breakfast – He is with us in our struggles, our challenges and our worries to help us and to nurture us by His presence.  He is the Good Shepherd who cares for us always.
5. Looking ahead, here are the poignant and inspiring Sunday readings for the month of May.

Sunday May 3:  Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2: 19-25; John 10: 1-10

Sunday May 10 (Mother’s Day):  Acts 7: 55-60; Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2: 2-10; John 14: 1-14

Sunday May 17:  Acts 17: 22-31; Psalm 66: 7-18; 1 Peter 3: 13-22; John 14: 15-21

Sunday May 24 (Ascension):  Acts 1: 1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1: 15-23: Luke 24: 44-53

Sunday May 31 (Pentecost): Acts 2: 1-21; Psalm 104: 25-37; 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13: John 20:19-23

6. Please keep daily prayer a focus of your life. If you are able, watch live stream church services.  Continue reading inspiring books, stories of hope and accounts of people helping people to get through this crisis.  Watch upbeat TV programs and movies.  Step outside if you can and take in a breath of fresh air or sit and feel the warmth of the Spring sun.  Exercise in your home or walk at a safe social distance in your neighbourhood.  Look for the positive in life and relish the hope that is there.

Love and prayers always

Coleen+

Rector, St. Peter’s Anglican Church