The Road to Emmaus
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
Two Friends by Jan Sutch Pickard
Based on Luke 24:13–33
Two friends
on our way
on the dusty road:
talking, listening,
sharing pain and confusion.
Another
walks with us –
unknown –
looks into our eyes,
listens to lost hopes
and wild rumours.
He speaks; we hear
the story of salvation
as though for the first time,
as we travel on.
We have arrived;
he wants to go further –
on his way;
we ask him to stay,
as dusk falls
on the dusty road.
We go indoors,
sit, tired, at a table
to share a meal.
He takes bread, blesses it,
breaks and offers it to us
who then see who is our companion –
but he has gone.
We remember
the journey, the words we heard,
the everyday presence of road, table,
and broken bread –
we know the news that must be shared.
We cannot stay put,
but, here and now, set out,
back along the dusty road:
two friends
on God’s way.
Welcome to Term 2. I hope the past few weeks have nourished your mind, heart, body and soul in some way.
In the holidays, I spent time walking with two friends in Sydney. One day we walked from Watsons Bay to Double Bay. The next day, we walked from Taronga Zoo ferry terminal to Balmoral. Both walks showcase the beauty and diversity of Gadigal Country. We thoroughly enjoyed our time walking and talking.
Our Gospel reading this week (Luke 24:13-35), takes us on a walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Two of Jesus’ followers are walking and talking about all that had taken place. After seeing their friend and teacher killed, they are devasted.
A stranger approaches them. The friends include him in their walking and talking. The stranger explains to them how the Scriptures have foretold who Jesus was and the suffering that would come before his glory. The friends invite the stranger to stay with them and share a meal.
The friends recognise that Jesus is with them as bread is taken, blessed, broken and shared. They can grasp something of the mystery of the resurrection of life as the risen Christ eats with them. After this encounter, the friends share their joy with the other followers.
This week, as we walk, talk and share meals together in various forms, may we be open to the blessing of friends and strangers. May we share both joy and struggles honestly with each other. May we share good news wherever we encounter it.
We are a third of the way into the 50 days of the Easter season. Like the first followers of Jesus, we stand in the shadow of the cross and celebrate that Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Admission to Holy Communion and Confirmation
The Anglican Church observes several rites that are part of the expression of Christian faith. If you would like to partake in baptism, admission to Holy Communion or Confirmation in 2023, please email Rev. Katherine Rainger.
Listening to the Voice
Discussions continue on personal, community and national levels of a proposed amendment to the constitution to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament.
At the 2022 Dirrum Dirrum Festival, signatory and advocate for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Thomas Mayo, spoke about the history and importance of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to parliament. He concludes his address by reciting the Statement from the Heart. It is a compelling and informative 15-minute address that can be viewed here.