Appearing & Vanishing for Us

Our Risen Lord

[Luke 24:13-35]

The first thing most people do when they experience a great loss is to search for a way out of the pain. We all try to leave our pain behind whether that means ‘walking away’ from someplace physically as the two disciples did on the Road to Emmaus or figuratively moving away from the grief, loss, and discomfort we feel in our hearts. We all need to walk away from the grief, the loss, and the mixed-feelings that surround endings. But how is the big question.

It is not accidental that from out of nowhere this ‘New Jesus’ appears to the disciples and walks along with them in their debate of the heart. It is not mere coincidence He reminds them of the dear friend they just lost on that dreadful day on a Jerusalem hill. It is not simply by chance he ‘interpreted for them every passage of scripture’ that referred to His Saving Mission – “suffering these things so as to enter his Glory!” But the real presence of Jesus is most lovingly and intimately received when he stays and sits down at Table with them. He ‘took the bread and broke it and gave it to them’ at which point ‘their eyes were opened and they RECOGNIZED HIM but he vanished from their sight’.

Why did Jesus do all this as the RISEN ONE and then suddenly Vanish from the scene? Why did he stay -- share -- open -- care and celebrate the Love he gives to us all? For one very good reason: HE DID EVERYTHING FOR OUR SAKE. THEN HE ASKED US TO DO AS HE DID. This is truly faithful stewardship. We as people walking the journey of faith need to always remember how important we all are to God through Jesus Christ the Son. Everything he ever did was FOR US. Not for himself but FOR US. The whole meaning of the Christian message would be lost if this basic truth is not proclaimed, rejoiced, and celebrated BY US. Jesus’ resurrection is an act of showing us the way we must travel but NOT ALONE. We walk with the Risen Savior everyday we listen to the scripture, offer our lives in service to others, and share in the blessing – breaking -- and sharing of His Body & Blood for all. Remember! Have a Blessed Easter Season.

Fr. Terry