Shortly after his crucifixion, “two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.” Later, “while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” “So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found the community gathered together.”
The two disciples are headed from Jerusalem to Emmaus, perhaps for a reprieve. Emmaus may be translated as ‘warm spring’ and could indicate an early tourist or pleasure attraction, a spa. In time the journey became a destination for pilgrims, persons traveling to a holy place. As we journey physically crossing the land, we journey spiritually opening our souls. Tourists and pilgrims alike journey to places like Bodh Gaya, India and the tree said to have sheltered Siddhartha Guatama as he meditated during his quest for enlightenment. El Camino/The Way takes Pilgrims across Spain to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela / The Church of St. James in the Field of Stars believed to be the resting place of the early disciple. The Pilgrim’s Way made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales takes Pilgrims to the shrine of Thomas Becket, killed by King Henry II for his disobedience to the crown. The Salt March takes Pilgrims along Gandhi’s 240-mile act of civil disobedience against British injustice to inspire peaceful change. The annual Bloody Sunday March that recently happened in the U.S. South, takes pilgrims along the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where state troopers beat hundreds of civil rights marchers. It’s been said the longest journey we’ll ever take is about 15” – from our head to our heart. We take that journey every day – especially when we open ourselves to other people who seem not to be on a journey, not moving at all, but are instead stuck – in a hurt they will not forgive, in a negative loop, in a political cult. Pilgrim or tourist, journey’s of the heart happen to the degree we are like the disciples travelling to Emmaus – willing to have our eyes opened and also our hearts opened. With our eyes and hearts open, we encounter holy souls and receive each soul as the Presence of God. With our eyes and hearts open, we consider we too are a holy soul, the Presence of God. How does a person’s encounter with us send them back into the heart of community and the Presence of God?
“I’ve been in a lot of places. I’ve even been in Cahoots. I’ve never been there alone however. Apparently you can’t go alone, you have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve never been in Cognito though. I hear no one recognizes you there. I’ve been in Toxicated. It was a frustrating visit. Nobody could understand a word I said while I was in Toxicated. I have been in Sane. They don’t have an airport, you have to be driven there. I’ve made several trips.”
Prayer: Spirit Guide, lead us with our eyes open.
Question: How would I describe the journey that has been my life?
April 19, 2026 Gospel Luke 24:13-35 Third Sunday of Easter