Today’s scripture: Luke 24:28-32 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
I love the simplicity of this scripture passage. This is resurrection power in action. Walking on the road to Emmaus, there is an encounter with Jesus. Jesus is invited to stay and eat with these two, who were disappointed and broken at the death of Jesus. They did not recognize Jesus at first, and then Jesus breaks the bread with them, and their eyes are opened.
Recently I took a meal of chicken pot pie to a friend who is dealing with some serious medical issues. I was planning to just drop it off, but they invited me to come eat with them. We were sitting at the kitchen table, discussing what was going on with each of us. Then we moved to the living room and continued the conversation. Before I departed, we prayed together. The fellowship and encounter with Christ that happened when we broke bread and prayed together was powerful.
Upon the encounter with Jesus in today’s scripture passage, the two recognize Jesus as he breaks the bread. Communion! As we break bread and commune together, we can clearly see each other, and have a conversation and gathering around the table. Do we see Christ at the table with us? Can we treat this as a sacred time and place as Jesus treated that last supper, as well as this meal with these two men on their journey?
We seem to make things pretty complicated. Some of us can turn things into religiosity, and forget the spiritual dimension of our faith. Communion isn’t just about the liturgy, the bread, the wine, and the blessing during worship. Communion happens in life. Communion is something we do as we talk to God, listen to hear God’s voice no matter how it comes, inviting in the stranger, or sitting at the table breaking bread and fellowshipping together. This is resurrection power in action in all these various dimensions. Do we recognize it? Do we recognize Jesus?
Thought for the day: How do you invite Jesus into your conversation at the table, your heart, and your life?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.