On the road to Emmaus

The Road to Emmaus, 1877, by Robert Zünd, a landscape painter

Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognized him at the breaking of the bread….

This is the last line of the Gospel today from Luke 24:13-35. I remember being fascinated as a child by a painting of the 'The Road to Emmaus,' which I have posted above. It hung in our lounge. When I look at it now it is hardly a scene from Palestine at the time of Jesus. However, it doesn't have to be. Imagination and creativity are a wonderful means by which God communicates with us and we in turn can communicate with others. Apart from the central figure of Jesus talking with the disciples aren't the trees majestic?

We can all point to key moments in our lives if we take some time to reflect about it when Jesus made his presence felt either to encourage or reassure us. Sometimes it may have even taken a while for us to recognize that he was even there just like the disciples on the Emmaus Road. Those stories when shared can inspire others. They don't have to be key moments either. They can be simple moments of grace that move us and give us the sense of his presence.

Just today listening to various people online commenting on the situation between Pope Leo and Donald Trump, I have grown in a deeper appreciation and admiration of our Pope. His unfailing call to be peacemakers and calm assured presence while doing so reminds me of the true message and heart of the Gospel. He is witnessing to Christ and his living presence among us.

Following in the footsteps of Jesus and his obvious union in prayer with him, Pope Leo is exercising his unique role as leader of our Church as he was chosen to do. He is speaking in the name of Christ and on our behalf to the world. I was moved to hear that he will be on the front cover of 'Time' magazine. In amongst all the craziness going on, Pope Leo is a shining light for us all and all kinds of people, not only Catholics, are recognizing it. Let's continue to keep him in prayer and all his intentions including the poor and vulnerable of the world especially in breaking bread together this Sunday.

You may like to listen to the song, 'Peace', from the album, 'There is no distance.'

Blessings on your week