Eastertide
April 25, 2020
Scripture Reading:
Luke 24:13-35
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. –Luke 24:13-27
Jesus lived in a dangerous world where faith leaders and government rulers were willing to sell their souls to retain their power, prestige, privilege, and wealth. Sound familiar? I thought I was beyond shock from our country’s leadership. This morning while listening to the news, I was shocked beyond words. The President Pro Temp of the US Senate proposed allowing states hardest hit by COVID 19 to file for bankruptcy rather than help them, and the President suggested that we investigate injecting people with a disinfectant that kills the virus on external surfaces. They have crossed over the line of being able to process reality when it thwarts their primary focuses of amassing wealth and power. They do not know how to function when dealing with something they cannot control.
In the above scripture, Jesus explains to his companions God’s plan from Moses through the prophets, including Jesus’s death on the cross. Jesus attempts to help us understand that in God’s world: all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose*. When we start following God’s plan of interdependence ruled by loving God and loving one another, we will see the path to addressing the challenges we face.
Prayer: Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways;
reclothe us in our rightful mind,
in purer lives thy service find,
in deeper reverence, praise**. Amen.
*Romans 8:28
**First verse of Dear Lord and Father of Mankind by John Greenleaf
Whittier. See at https://hymnary.org/text/dear_lord_and_father_of_mankind
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.