Presented April 26, 2020 by Rev. Jesse Larson
Based on Luke 24:13-35
April 26, 2020
Our text for today picks up right after where we left last week—just after Jesus appears to the disciples who are locked up in a safe house, avoiding persecution.
Two disciples were walking to a village called Emmaus, most likely fleeing to another safe house. Surely, Cleopas and his companion were feeling shell-shocked. They were on a long walk, trying to process what just transpired in Jerusalem and the whirlwind of events that led to the crucifixion. Their hopes of a messiah who would liberate from Roman rule had been dashed in the most outrageous of manners. Their supposed messiah was crucified, dying the death of a traitor.
I know so many of us are feeling disappointed and frustrated as of late. We are tired of being home and long to return to our routines. So many of our plans have been dashed. Our vacations are canceled, we are seeking to be reimbursed for various tickets, and we wonder when we can start enjoying community events together again. For many others, they are feeling hopeless and completely overwhelmed. They have lost their jobs and are scrambling to pay bills. Others are terrified of catching this vicious virus, and others are mourning sick loved ones from a far.
The crucifixion turned the lives of the disciples upside down, and the coronavirus is having the same effect on our own lives.
In the midst of the disciples’ grief and bewilderment, a stranger joined these lost souls and began to chat with them about all the recent events in Jerusalem. The disciples were unable to recognize Jesus and were shocked that this “stranger" had not heard about all the hubbub in Jerusalem. It was finally in the breaking of bread that these men’s eyes were opened to the fact that it was Jesus who was with them all along the way. Soon after, they returned to share the good news of the resurrection with the other disciples.
There are times when we are firm in our faith, but if we are honest, there are also other times when we feel it wavering. Some consider resurrection and other miracles seem to be pure fantasy. We can also feel lost in the midst of heavy days like the ones we are experiencing. What does the future hold? Why is this happening to us?
Today’s text reminds us that even in dire times, Jesus is with us—though often unrecognizable. We have a tendency of focusing on the bad rather than the good all around us. We inventory what we have lost rather than what we have gained.
As I mentioned last week, this “Great Pause” can be a time to reprioritize what is truly important in our lives. Interestingly, today’s text offers a helpful phrase that can help us reorder our thinking—“were not our hearts burning within us?”
There are holy times when our heart burns within us and we know something special is happening. Perhaps the birth of a child, at a sunset, maybe reading a letter from an old friend, a kind smile from a stranger. Our hearts can burn during big moments or in small ones.
Have any of you experienced this sensation—of feeling your heart burn when you knew something special was happening in your midst?
When our hearts burn in this fashion we are given a glimpse of Christ’s presence all around us. Inevitably, we feel a sense of peace and our faith is renewed.
Today’s text demonstrates to us that special things happen in the midst of meaningful conversations, in sharing, on walks, in meals, and in acts of kindness.
Moreover, our faith journey is one that shouldn’t be walked alone. It is meant to be shared. We find encouragement and support from one another.
But even when we can’t physically be together, we live in an amazing era when we still can be “together” virtually. We can still chat on the phone or on Zoom. We can worship together, even though we are sitting in our living rooms. We hold one another in the light of love and prayer until we are united again.
So, sisters and brothers, during these strange days of quarantine, I urge you to keep reflecting about your faith and discussing your faith with others.
Keep your spirit open to the ways in which your hearts might burn with the presence of God.
Train your eyes, ears, and hearts to look for signs of hope all around you.
Jesus is very present among us—it can just take a little more reflection to see where.
In the midst of these lonely, frightening days, let your hearts burn, trust that Christ is with us, and may your faith be restored. Amen.
