Introduction
Two disciples are going about their ordinary lives when they encounter a stranger. He explains to them the context of what has happened to Jesus, but it is only after the conversation – when he has responded to their invitation to eat with them – that they recognise that they have been in the presence of the risen Jesus. Contemporary encounters with the risen Jesus can equally present challenges and issues of recognition.
Context
The major items of news this week concern the forthcoming UK general election and the Presidential Election in France.
We live in uncertain times and it is easy for our faith to weaken when we do not know what is likely to happen. At such times, our faith needs to be stronger in order to cope with the uncertainty. The disciples on the Emmaus Road were also facing uncertainty and insecurity
There have also been two contrasting news stories – one about the London Marathon and the other concerning the killing of Mike Samwell as he tried to stop a thief from stealing his car.
The risen Jesus is still present and active in our world, but it is not always obvious to us where he is on our journeys through life, and we need to find ways of recognising him and his activity.
Reflection
The disciples on the Emmaus Road had witnessed the final events of Jesus life, and they had his teaching. They also had the testimony of the women concerning the empty tomb. But on their own they were unable to put these pieces of the jigsaw together and make a coherent picture. It is possible that they were so caught up in their own concerns that they failed to recognise Jesus.
Why did they recognise Jesus when he broke the bread? Did it recall previous meals stored in their memory banks. Did the sharing of the meal relax them, and enable them to reflect more completely on what was happening? Was Jesus in some way transformed at that moment?
In this week’s news there have been two contrasting incidents. There was the marathon runner who helped another runner to finish. And, in contrast, there was the man run over and killed outside his own front door. Is it possible to recognise Jesus as present in both these incidents?
What does your answer say about Jesus and the nature of our faith? The runner gave something up (the chance of a better time) in order to help someone who was struggling. There is also something powerful about the neighbours who not only paid tribute to Mike Samwell (the murder victim), but also held a vigil for him and his family.
There is also something here about fellowship and community. Jesus is recognised at the meal. It is a community activity, rather than an individual event. Politics can be a very divisive subject (but then so can religion). The Emmaus Road story challenges us to seek Jesus in all parts of life, and that includes politics. Is it possible to engage in prayer and conversation in order to discern the presence of Jesus in the manifestos of the parties and candidates?
Prayer
This prayer could be used to conclude a sermon or as part of the intercessions,
Loving God,
as we engage with politics and politicians;
help us to hear your promptings of the questions to ask;
help us to recognise you at work within the democratic process;
help us to be guided by you as we speak or keep silence,
as we ask or answer questions.
Give us your wisdom to understand and your courage to act.
Amen.
Questions
- How and when have you recognised Jesus in today’s world?
- Which manifesto promises do you think Jesus would endorse?
Action
Invite two or three people (friends or acquaintances) for a simple meal. As you break, cut or share bread, use the first verse of the hymn: ‘Be known to us in breaking bread’.
Young people
Ask members of the group to write down in secret their favourite food. See how many can be guessed. Talk about different ways in which we recognise people (how they look, what they wear, their voices, how they walk). Are there ways in which we can recognise Jesus in contemporary society?
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister in inner-city Manchester.
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