And slow of heart to believe ...

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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?”

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Emmaus is about seven miles from Jerusalem. Why Jesus chose to walk that road with these two disciples is so interesting. He could have spent it with many but he chose these two. As he walked Cleopas and his companion shared their pain and disappointment with Jesus when they said: "But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel". Perhaps this heartache is what drew the risen Christ to walk that road to Emmaus that day?

I think that it is so interesting that they did not recognize Jesus until "he took the bread and blessed and broke it". I think that there is something that can be so intimate about sharing a meal with each other. I love it that there eyes were opened at the supper table. Perhaps in that moment Christ's hope sprung anew as his communal words witnessed deep in their hearts? I so love their reaction. I can see them running with joy and amazement back to Jerusalem.

In the words of the song Lord - You are alive! I am forgiven! Heaven's gates are open wide!

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