Friday, January 15, 2010

Walk to Emmaus

My husband is attending the Central Ohio Walk to Emmaus this weekend. I am so excited for him. Those of you that have done one know what I am talking about; those of you that haven't need to get to your nearest Methodist Church and sign up for one.

The Walk is a 72-hour spiritual retreat designed to open your eyes to the grace, love, and forgiveness that Christ has given us. It is based on the following scripture (Luke 24:13 - 35):

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Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

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I lived for a long time with eyes bleary from the world. I didn't see God's love, grace, mercy, even though I knew deep down in my being that it existed. So much had happened, where was God for me? The Walk to Emmaus teaches us that he is there, even when we don't recognize him. Are your eyes open?

4 comments:

Susan said...

I didn't look at the pilgrim list. I know at least 2 others on that walk as well. They are all in my prayers.

Can't believe it's been 6 years next month for me! Time flies!

Mary LeMaster said...

I go next month. Feb 11th - the 14th. I am ready

Erin Wallace said...

I just found out that you are going next month and I'm excited for you! I went in February in 2003 (old timer!). You'll have an amazing time!

Lindsay said...

I grew up in the Methodist church, the Walk to Emmaus was very popular. Interesting to stumble upon it here and there.

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