Newsletter May 10

Retell the Scripture Story

On the third Sunday of Easter we turn to the last chapter of Luke’s gospel. (We were in John 18 for the last two weeks with the stories of Mary, the first witness to the resurrection, and then Thomas who had to see the risen Christ for himself.)

Luke tells us that two followers of Jesus were walking down the road that led to Emmaus, a small village near Jerusalem. They were talking together of all the things that had happened (not Junktique, but the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus). And while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and walked along beside them. [Notice the presence of Jesus, unknown to these two who reasoned together]

Then Jesus asked what are you talking about and why are you sad?

And the one called Cleopas said, “Are you the only one in Point Richmond who hasn’t heard about the Junktique?” or no, it was “Are you a stranger and haven’t heard the things that have come to pass?”

Jesus said, “What things?”

And they told him about, Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet, mighty in word and deed before God and all the people. They told how the chief priests and some Jewish rulers delivered him to the Romans to be condemned to death and crucified.  They said they had trusted that he would redeem Israel.

This was the third day since the crucifixion and certain women of their company made them astonished by reporting that when they came to the tomb very early, they found it empty. They also saw a vision of angels saying Jesus was alive. And some others went and looked at the empty tomb also.

Then Jesus said to them, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and the prophets he taught them all the scriptures concerning himself.

And when they came to the village Jesus would have gone on, but they invited him to stay for dinner. It was a strong invitation, “they constrained him” saying Abide with us for it is evening and the day is far spent. And Jesus went in with them.

And as he sat at the table with them, he took bread, blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and according to the story at that moment he vanished out of their sight.

And they said to each other, ”Did not our hearts burn when he talked with us on the way, and when he opened to us the scriptures?”

And they rose up that same hour and returned to Jerusalem to find the others and to tell them the good news. They told the others the risen Christ was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Application

Have you seen the risen Christ lately? Was he here with us yesterday at the Junktique? Perhaps as a poor shopper, looking for a bargain, perhaps as a tired worker at the end of the day? Did you notice the gardener who appeared to cut the grass in the early hours? Did you get his name? We often miss the amazing, wonder of the Christian community at work, but on a day like we had yesterday, it was hard to miss. Did you see the life-changing power of the risen Christ in our midst?

On a day like today, it is hard to miss, if you will open your eyes to see, and open your ears to hear, you will be transformed. These can be the best years of your life. Once you have learned to read the signs, you will not forget. You will remember and you will tell others what you have seen and heard.

Is it not wonderful to love and to be loved? Allow yourself to receive it, and then express this deep, compelling love to others, as long as you live.

Let us be in prayer.