Are You Running Away?
That very day, the first day of the week,
two of Jesus’ disciples were going
to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. (Lk 24:13-14)
The early days of Easter were chaotic, at best. Rumors were beginning to fly that Jesus was raised from the dead. Some believed them, some did not.
Still others never even heard the rumors. They were two busy hightailing it out of town.
Thus was the case with the people in today’s Gospel. They were not going to stick around and be arrested for believing in Jesus. They were going to go somewhere safe. Thus, they headed for Emmaus.
On the road, Jesus joined them.
Whether is was because He looked radically different from what they remembered or because they were so wrapped up with fear that they could not see clearly, they did not recognize Him.
They had a very impassioned conversation with Him where Jesus spoke to them about what the prophets had to say of the Messiah. They felt their hearts stirring as they so often did when Jesus was with them. But, they still did not recognize Him.
It was not until He broke bread with them later that evening that they realized it was Jesus. At that moment of recognition, Jesus vanished.
They went back to report to the other disciples what they had seen and heard.
That was so important: they went back.
Sometimes we run away from where the Lord has placed us. Maybe we feel that the load is too hard to bear. Maybe it is because we are filled with fear. Whatever the reason, we flee.
God is always on the road, always looking for ways to open our minds and hearts to Him once again.
FAITH ACTION: What will you do today to show others that you are a believer?