Cleopas’ heart
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Easter Wednesday
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040313.cfm
Luke 24:30-32
He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”
It’s seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. I wondered if we’d have enough energy for the trip. Everything was heavy in the room where we hid. So few words, and every noise outside scattered our breath and stopped our hearts. Fear filled the air. I had to get out of there. My wife and I decided to go home to Emmaus.
I thought our Great Adventure was over. Just a pipe dream, cooked up by Jesus and fed to us. I was angry with him for giving in so quickly to the priests and soldiers. I forgot, I think we all forgot, the inspiration he had been. His words and miracles broke into the everyday lethargy and in his presence, every day was new. Promise held sway, and nothing seemed stronger.
Our people heard so little from God for so long. The priests were caught in the old rules with no new revelation, so what else could they teach us? Jesus changed all that. He swept away the distance and God seemed closer than close. My wife told us that presence became even stronger while Jesus suffered on his cross. While he lived everyone watching seemed filled with awe. They strained to hear his slightest whisper.
But then, Jesus died. His mother screamed in grief; all the Marys wept and wept. They helped carry him to a grave, and all was finished. Nothing now but to hide, and hope to disappear quietly. How could we possibly forget what Jesus said to us about all of this? But we did.
Today his gentle reminders about the prophecies rekindled our excitement. Then before our eyes he appeared and disappeared. Jesus is alive! He broke bread with us four days ago, and he broke bread with us again tonight.
We must return to Jerusalem tonight. The road will be shorter now than ever. Our hearts are brimming with joy.
How close you seem, O Lord. Just beyond my eyelids, just within reach of my imagination, just now. But you appear when you appear, and you disappear when you disappear. You are the Lord. I am struck by love and wonder as you teach me all things. Breath by breath, I will wait for you.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1187
