After we have changed the clocks at the end of March, I start looking forward to the light summer evenings and always hope to make the most of them while they last. Sometimes I do nothing more than water the garden and dead head a few plants, but it is so lovely to be outside at that time after the long dark winter evenings. Occasionally I have enjoyed a special summer event such as an open air theatre production or concert, but more frequently I have walked with a friend in the fields near my home or driven to the sea to walk along the prom, looking out as it gets dark to see the moon reflecting on the water.
Going for a walk with someone can be a precious opportunity to talk at a deep level, sometimes sharing a problem or worry that has been causing some heart searching. There is something about not having direct eye contact as you walk along that can make it easier to share very personal things, and give the listener time to digest what is being said before they respond.
The evening walkers who went to Emmaus on the first Easter Sunday were probably not on an evening stroll for pleasure, – it is likely they were walking back to their home after attending Passover events in Jerusalem. As close friends of the 11 disciples they had spent time with them over the previous days and it seems from the gospel account that they had been with them when the women returned from the empty tomb earlier that day.
When a “stranger” joined them on their walk they were no doubt relieved he wasn’t a robber, and were very thankful to be able to talk to him about the matter most on their minds. So much had happened that they really could not make sense of. They were so busy pouring it out that they probably didn’t look into the “stranger’s” face. It was just so good to be able to talk it all over with someone. Their companion on the road seemed very knowledgeable, talking about what was written in the prophets and about Jesus of Nazareth, and he tried to help them understand it all. It all felt very special and they didn’t want him to have to continue his journey in the dark. They offered to share their simple meal with him and a bed for the night.
Jesus did not force his company on them. He joined them in their house at their invitation and in the simple act of breaking the bread at the meal table they recognised who he was. He had been with them on their walk and in their journey of faith and their hearts had “burned within them on the road” although they hadn’t understood why. Such a wonderful realisation had to be shared! It was a long walk back to Jerusalem but they had to tell the disciples. We don’t know if they even finished their meal, but they had seen their risen Lord and their conversation and mood on the way back would have been entirely different.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, We thank you for precious times we have been able to spend with friends, when we have been able to talk about things that are troubling us. We remember that you walked with two of your followers on the road to Emmaus and met with them in their confusion and distress. Help us to talk to you in prayer when we have worries and don’t know where to turn. And help us to recognise the times when you have been with us on the journey of life, even though we may not have recognised it at the time. Amen