The Risen One on the road with us

Luke 24: 13 - 35

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. 'What are you discussing together as you walk along?' They stood still, their faces downcast...'Are you only a visitor and do not know the things that have happened there these days?'

If we were called to witness to the meaning of the Resurrection in our lives we might look back on our journeys and remember times when the Risen One walked on the road with us. Today as I entered the sacred space of prayer I arrived with much on my mind...many concerns about church needs and concerns about my loved ones. Thoughts moved back and forth for a while, self- focused, until I realized that I was miles away from the Lord who was waiting to meet me much more than I realize. Then I made a shift. I acknowledged my frustrations and concerns and came to the Lord as I really was. There is no other way to encounter the Risen One. He is alongside me on my road, asking, interested in what is foremost in my heart and thoughts. So I must address him, the One who comes alongside, rather than remain lost in my own world of thoughts. True prayer happens when I come, as the real me, to the Lord.

Often times the Scriptures by themselves do not open our eyes, nor make our hearts burn. What gradually opens our eyes and hearts is the presence of the Risen One. After talking ourselves out, we come to a moment of restful silence. It is then that the Word that we read earlier can be brought to life by the One who is alongside us. It is then that perhaps we are able to interpret 'all that has happened' in a different way. "Was it not necessary...(v.26) that these things had to happen?" When I allow this word to enter my disappointments, my frustrations, my fears....then I can see things with fresh eyes. The steps to be taken with respect to the concerns may not be clear yet (and require further discernment) but what comes through is a sense that the Risen One is my companion and will show the way in good time.

This week, the gospel readings challenge me to ask myself how and where I meet the Risen One in my life and how that experience can enable me to witness to the reality of the Resurrection. I can turn to the factual evidence about the Resurrection, but I am not limited to the facts alone, for "somewhere along the road to Emmaus, my heart burned within me".