CAMINANDO WITH JESUS: Recognizing Jesus

Brendan Murphy on April 22, 2020

Now on that same day two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to 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 has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

– Luke 24:13-25


2020 is a year in which many of us feel as though we are on the road to Emmaus. The events of our time are challenging and a bit stressful. We want answers to the pressing questions of the moment. Exactly what is this virus, what are its origins and what is the quick fix? How long will we have to remain inside? Who will have to be tested, in order to get back to work? What does that look like? Talk to anyone and surely Covid-19 dominates the conversation. Imagine walking along when someone approached you and wanted to know what everyone was talking about. You, too, would be filled with incredulity.

The disciple and his companion traveling to Emmaus are in similar position. They are confounded by the current situation. All of their hope for a better kind of society was pinned on Jesus. Days before, they were having dinner together. Now, their friend, rabbi and teacher has been crucified. Three days later, he is no longer in the tomb. The women informed them that Jesus had been resurrected. As they explain to the stranger now walking alongside them, what they know for sure is that Jesus is missing. They don’t know what has happened to him.

For the second time, Jesus is not recognized by those closest to him. Mary Magdalene did not know him on resurrection day until he called her by her name when she was sobbing at the tomb. Now this pair of pedestrians on the road to Emmaus are struck with the same inability to recognize Christ. The very person they are looking for is right beside them.

On this Third Sunday of Easter, Jesus will reveal himself to the world for the third time. He has spoken to Mary. He has presented himself to the frightened disciples and allowed them to touch his scars and see his wounds. And now, the confused disciples traveling the seven miles to the next town to perhaps re-establish some normalcy in their life encounter the very Savior they were talking about.

As we continue to shelter in place, it may be tempting to wonder where God is at a time when so many people are suffering. Everything about our lives has been turned upside down. So many people have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic. Some are fortunate to work from home. Children are navigating online class assignments at home next to parents learning how to Zoom from the same living room. We are exhausted. We are used to moving about the world freely; now our universe has shrunk, and it momentarily consists of our immediate neighborhoods.

We share this road filled with disruption and detours with the earliest disciples. Like them, we are searching for answers and looking for the way forward.

While there has been an interruption in our daily routines, this special time on the road to Emmaus or our new normal allows us the gift of time to really see Jesus in the world with us. We are not lost, and we are not alone.

We can take this moment and rest, read and recognize. As you take daily walks, slow down enough to enjoy the beautiful flowers springing up everywhere. If you are in a neighborhood like mine, enjoy watching the beautiful dogs playing as they sniff the ground and run around the same corner every day. Take note of the ways in which neighbors are connecting while maintaining an appropriate distance. We should worship the God who is on the journey with us. We must be grateful for the family and friends who have remained healthy during this medical crisis. We pray fervently for our loved ones who did not survive this pandemic. God is with each and every one us.

Recently, historian and gifted author Jon Meacham was asked on a morning news show what people should think about when they are at a loss for prayer. Meacham, an Episcopalian, recommended that people turn to the Book of Common Prayer when searching for prayers. It offers a plethora of scripture and inspirational words to hep connect you to God. The BCP is highly recommended to help remind us of God’s continuing love and presence.

Time and again, Jesus asks the folks, Mary, Simon and Cleophas, who are you looking for? That question can be asked of us today. Who are we looking for? When our eyes are opened, we can see the face of Jesus in each other. We can see the face of Jesus in all of the hospital workers. We see Jesus in all of those who are caring for the homeless and those working and volunteering in food banks ensuring that their neighbors are sufficiently fed. On our road to Emmaus, we are passing Jesus every time we see a cashier or a pharmacist or a restaurant server.

Let us take time on this road and reflect on the risen Christ. Let us celebrate the presence of God among us. May the grace of God fill us with such an abundance of hope that we faithfully believe that we have the energy to weather this storm together and look forward to the day when our roads are once again teeming with fellow pilgrims.

The Rev. Kathy Walker is the missioner for black ministries in the Diocese of North Carolina.