On the Emmaus road....

Luke 24: 13 - 35

Again another resurrection story that takes up the theme of the disciples' difficulty in recognizing the Risen Lord. "They had hoped...." may be the key. They 'hoped' for certain outcomes in Jesus' ministry, for certain ways that they expected God to come through. But He 'shattered their dreams' and they are confused, wrapped up in their losses. "Where is God?"

St Augustine has this to say about the dimness of their perception "They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind. Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which was still ignorant of the truth 'that the Christ would die and rise again', their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth."

How often indeed do we fail to recognize the risen Lord? Yet his graciousness is beyond comprehension as he walks beside us.......gently chiding, faithfully opening up our minds and hearts by his life giving word and presence.