There
is something in the story of the road to Emmaus that is very different from
other Gospel narratives, different because of its mystery and the very humanity
of its experience.
Two men, tramping the dirt road from
Jerusalem
to the
village
of
Emmaus
, warm in the
afternoon sun, talking to each other of the days they had lived through, the
Passover that had just been celebrated and the death of their friend, the
Nazarene.
They were joined by a stranger who spoke with them and talked of Scripture
but did not disclose himself. We are told they did not recognise him. They
obviously made some real contact though for they invited him to share their
supper when they finally arrived at the end of their journey.
Then, over their meal together he broke bread and shared it with them and
they realised his story. After he left them, they reflected
on his journey conversation and even commented to each other on how his
words had stirred within them.
Anxious to get their news back to those left behind in
Jerusalem
, they immediately
set out again on the return journey.
What
a fine story of faith, of revelation and commitment, simply told. It is a story
that we too can experience in our lives of struggling faith. In the final part
of the
Waste
Land
, T S Eliot asked
the question:
“Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When
I count, there are only you and I together
but
when I look ahead up the white road
there
is always another one walking beside you….”
There is always that other presence on our journey, unrecognised and
sometimes unrecognisable, the Risen Lord. He is there for us even if we do not
realise it. In a similar manner The
Joy of the Gospel asks each one of us to walk beside others whose
journey may be difficult and whose feet are sore. The arm to lean on, the hand
on the shoulder, the attentive listening to their story, all are reflective of
the
Emmaus Road
.
Just before Easter, on April 15th, the memorial service for the
96 football supporters of Liverpool Football Club who died 25 years ago watching
the semi-final of the Cup, was held at Anfield. For their families and friends
these years have been a long time seeking justice. With the original flawed
Inquests set aside, a new examination of that tragic event has begun and honest
answers are being sought.
96
seats covered
with 96 scarves
in the Kop
Being
there, being alongside a person in their struggle, when the outcome is unsure,
is so important.
The
anthem of the Club says just that. “You’ll
never walk alone”
END
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