You on the Road to Emmaus
Easter 3; Luke 24:13-35
Sometimes all you can do is
walk away:
away from the crosses on a hill
and a tomb whether empty or not,
away from your failures as followers
and the loss of your hope and purpose,
away from overwhelming emotion,
that sink hole of anger, grief and fear.
At least if there’s two you can
talk away:
talk that justifies your leaving
and motivates returning home;
talk that attracts a fellow traveler,
one who is willing to listen
to your love, your loss, your confusion.
On that journey what you need is
to be heard
and to hear yourself tell your story
in words that grope for understanding.
Then you might be ready for insight
if the traveler speaks of Scripture,
drawing out threads of meaning
that connect with your experience,
the nexus of suffering and glory.
Nearing home you are moved to say:
“Stay with us,
for this day is nearly over.”
Then perhaps if your guest at supper
takes your bread to bless and break it
you will know who it is you welcome,
and what fire in your heart he kindled
as he taught and healed you on the way.
That same hour you find strength to return
with good news for your companions.
Barbara Messner 16/04/2026
Barb, poet priest 