We find ourselves this week travelling a road that is definitely not straight or easy. A pandemic has the ability to completely unravel what we know and do. A challenging time like this is often when we develop a greater reliance on our faith.

The Road to Emmaus allows us to realise that the disciples also displayed many of the same feelings that COVID-19 is evoking in us. They felt the road was full of twists, turns and uncertainties. A road that we as a community, state, nation and globally currently find ourselves travelling. Like the disciples we need to keep walking.

After travelling along the road where Jesus has listened to the disciples and their story, he begins to help them gain access through the Scriptures – the story of God’s relationship with us, and they begin to hear the Word in a new way – to understand a bit more about how God works in the world. He breaks open the Scriptures and gives them hope.  “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?” (Luke 24:25-26)

He retells all of what had transpired in the scriptures and is able to open their eyes to the fact that what had happened was all part of God’s plan. The disciples felt disillusioned with Jesus, he hadn’t delivered all that they had dreamed. But the resurrection helps them realise that their hopes were not misguided; they were right to trust and hope in Jesus and that through His death, His job was done. “Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:27)

The disciples just needed someone to help them make the connections with the scriptures. Just like the disciples we don’t always make the connections ourselves, we don’t necessarily see the ordinary in the extraordinary or get to the light bulb moment. This is where discipleship comes in, we have others/companions to assist us to get to this point where we gain access and are able to make meaning of what has occurred. There has never been a more pressing time than now to stay on the road and ‘gain access’ to what can help give us strength and courage in these trying times.

Reflection Questions:

Who are the companions on your journey?
How do we continue to trust in these uncertain and challenging times?
As you delve into scripture at this time, what are you gaining access to - what insight unfolds?
Who are the wisdom figures you call on to help interpret the events in your life?

 Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning