We, too, still often expect change from the top-down. We look for redemption with the lens of empire clouding our view. It can keep us, from recognizing Christ among us, around us, or within us. It is not until these two are practicing the very things they learned from Jesus that they are able to perceive. They become hosts. They invited in the stranger. They ate together, they shared what they had. They broke bread. They feasted.
Enfleshed by Rev M. Barclay (They, Them, Theirs)
Two disciples were traveling seven miles to Emmaus talking about all that had happened. Jesus came near and went with them, but they did not recognize him. And Jesus said, “What are you talking about as you walk?” They stood still, looking sad. Then Cleopas, answered, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know what has taken place?” Jesus asked, “What things?” They replied, “The things about the prophet Jesus and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be crucified. We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel. Now on the third day, some women of our group astounded us. Early this morning they did not find his body in the tomb. They told us that they saw angels who said that Jesus was alive. Some of us went to the tomb and found it as the women said; but they did not recognize him.” Then Jesus said, “Oh, how you are foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus interpreted the things about the Chosen One in all the scriptures. As they neared Emmaus, Jesus was going on. But they urged him, “Stay with us, because the day is now nearly over.” So Jesus stayed. At the table with them, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished. They asked, “Were not our hearts burning within us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he appeared to Simon!” Then they shared how Jesus was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-35
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