We were on the way

our minds still reeling from the events

of the past week.

Everything happened so fast

We had thought he was the promised one.

Never in our minds was it supposed to end like it did.

 

Then came the stranger,

apparently unaware of all that happened in the city.

We shared our burden and he in turn 

related the events to the scriptures.

Our hearts burned within us as he spoke.

 

When the time came to part ways in the late afternoon

we asked him to join us at the evening meal.

And there it happened, as we broke the bread, our eyes

were opened. We saw that it was Jesus who had been with us

on the way.

 

The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Familiar and poignant.

How could they have not recognized Jesus sooner? 

 

There seem to be times when I have been so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I lose sight of the larger picture. Sometimes a little distraction breaks the ice in my heart, and a ray of light gets into my room. A pretty bird lands on the limb outside the window; or the dog comes up to me and licks my hand. I become aware that I am not alone. In some subtle way Jesus has entered the room, and I recognize that He is near. Herein lies the joy of Easter. He has risen, and entered the everyday paths of my life.