The Easter story is about transformation.
And so in this week’s story, two disciples travel from disappointment to fresh insight, from discouragement to enthusiasm, from noting the absence of God to celebrating the presence of God. Their transformation comes about as they welcome a stranger into their midst, allow themselves to be vulnerable and as they experience God’s hospitality.
The shape of this story reminds me about the movement of worship.
First we welcome people into our midst, just as the two disciples welcomed the stranger, not knowing who he was. Later in the story they welcome the stranger into their home in an act of hospitality.
Next, the disciples share honestly with Jesus about how they are struggling. They acknowledge their disappointment, discouragement and confusion. This is a place of confession, a place of vulnerability, a place that we often try to hide from others, from God and even from ourselves. We need to tread carefully here and be gentle with ourselves.
Then Jesus opens the Scriptures with them. That must have been an amazing experience, which they later describe as having their hearts burn within them. Through God’s Spirit, these ancient texts continue to speak a word to us that is relevant and life-changing today.
When they arrive home, hospitality is offered and the guest becomes the host as he breaks the bread, in a scene reminiscent of Communion. Suddenly the disciples recognise Jesus’ presence with them.
Finally, the disciples’ eyes are opened and they discern it has been Jesus all along. They immediately return to Jerusalem to share the good news with others. This is mission, being sent out into the world with a message of hope and transformation.
What are some of the ways you recognise God’s presence in your life?
Click here for worship@home resource Journey to Faith - 26 April 2020
After the success last week of sharing virtual worship with over 40 others from Croydon and Croydon North UC, we will be holding a Zoom worship meeting this Sunday morning from 9.45 am. I will host the meeting from my home but it will be an opportunity to hold a larger (virtual) gathering and to see each others’ faces. We will be basing our worship on the attached worship@home resource for this week, so it would be handy to have a copy present. We can send you a link to the meeting or a phone number and meeting details if you sign up by emailing the Croydon UC church office on office@croydon.unitingchurch.org.au or using the form in the sidebar.
Those that are from a tradition that celebrates communion along with the story of the Emmaus journey may like to participate in the Communion of Empty Hands available below.