Did you ever bump into someone new unexpectedly only to
discover you knew them the whole time? I remember bumping into a woman at the
grocery store recently. At first, I thought we were just exchanging warm
southern greetings – but quickly discovered she knew more things in my life
than a stranger would know. It was nothing specific – she never identified
dates, names or places – but casual situations that elicited my response. We said
our good-byes to go about our shopping tasks – “maybe I will see you again
sometime” was the farewell. Yeah, um…you too. Of course, Cindy asked – “do you
know her?” There was something familiar, but I could not quite place my finger
on it.
I wonder if you experienced something similar – a familiar
person but no real evidence to pinpoint how, or even if you know them.
Something similar happened to a couple folks on their walk to a town called Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion, they were walking to that small town and encountered a man who wanted to know what they were discussing – they were amazed that someone could possibly not know what had recently happened. Once they explained it, this “stranger” began to scold them and explain all that needed to happen to Jesus and why – using Scriptures as the evidence, starting with Moses!
This man walked with them the whole way – a seven-mile
journey! There must have been a lot to discuss. When they arrived, they ask the
man to stay and eat with them instead on him continuing on. He agreed.
Here is the thing – they still did not know who this guy
was! He was just a guy who knew some of their story…situations that elicited a
response in their heart, but no recognition. Just like my grocery store
encounter – there was something familiar, but not quite sure. Another even
happened later in my week which allowed me to remember…I knew this person from
my hospital chaplaincy days. It had been a while, but not so long that I should
have forgotten this woman!
Our friends in Emmaus were enlightened too. As these men
were beginning their meal, the stranger “took the bread and blessed it and
broke it and gave it to them” (vv30-31). Immediately they recognized him – he was
no stranger, it is Jesus!
I wonder…if Jesus were to walk along the path of life with
you today, would you recognize him?
Perhaps it would be in the form of someone you encounter that
has the love of Jesus and a heart to care for others through their gifts. Or,
maybe you are not sure because you don’t know what to look for. How would you
know? Perhaps ask yourself – “Where would I find Jesus right now?”
First Reading Acts
2:14a, 36–41
Psalm Psalm
116:1–4, 12–19
New Testament 1
Peter 1:17–23
Gospel Luke
24:13–35
