Emmaus Walk: Struggling to Make Sense of it All

Today’s Gospel, Luke 24: 13-35,  is the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus.  They simply left their group in Jerusalem, baffled by what has happened the last few days. The person whom they thought would save them from Roman occupation and restore the kingdom of Israel has just been crucified, put to death by Roman executioners at the request of the people, who, when Pilate asked whom to release to them Barabbas, a convicted criminal, or Jesus, they shouted “crucify him, crucify him”. In their confusion and grief and as they were struggling to make sense of it all, Jesus, unbeknownst to them, joins them. To their amazement, Jesus asks them what they are discussing along the way.  “What? Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem these days that does not know what has happened?”  Jesus does not reveal Himself but asks: What things? “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel…”

How could Cleopas and his companion not recognize Jesus, we may wonder.  Think of times when people are absolutely traumatized by tragedy of any kind.  Their first reaction, and mine as well, is “Where was God?” “Why did God allow this to happen?”  Some people totally abandon their faith at that time, will have nothing to do with God. Some, in fact, claim to be atheists—no more belief in this religion stuff.  That is the point at which the two disciples left Jerusalem and headed for Emmaus.  It was over for them.

To come back, we need an intervention, just like these two disciples did. We need someone who can help us make sense of what happened, who can restore our faith in humanity and in God, who can help us hope again, believe again, love again.  Who is that for you? Jesus, for sure, in some hidden way, through another human being, will open your eyes and transform your darkness into light, your despair into hope, your doubt into faith.  I have experienced it over and over again on my "Emmaus Walks" or "Emmaus Moments".  What about you?