(written for the beginning of the Easter season, Seminary Intern Kaylie Ines)
I imagine as the disciples venture towards Emmaus, they are deeply hurting and in disbelief of the murder of their dear friend. They stroll down a road, sulking and trying to recover from a traumatic experience. They encounter what appears to be a stranger. They invite this stranger in for the night and join them for dinner. They form a community. As the stranger breaks bread, the disciples can genuinely see this stranger is actually their beloved friend Jesus. Friends gather once more and share a meal with another. Jesus continues with them until Bethany and blesses them, leaving in peace.
A moment of hope, a glimpse into new life post-resurrection, the disciples return to a state of joy- back towards hope. Easter is a season to remember the hope that death does not get the final say. AND Easter is a season to witness Jesus during smaller moments. The big Easter Sunday service is over, but Easter is still happening. Every day, on the road with strangers, in a glimpse, we can witness life again-hope again. While Easter is very much about love overcoming evil systems, Easter is also a time for us to ask ourselves what we know to be true?
It seems the disciples will only believe Jesus’ resurrection if they can witness Christ in his own flesh. At the end of an exhausting holy week, at new beginnings (with COVID vaccines) during a pandemic, how are we being made witness to Easter? We are the disciples headed down the road to Emmaus, and we already know the long story of Jesus’ resurrection. So this Easter, at Emmaus, we are looking towards hope and we find ourselves asking what do we know to be true?