The Gospel Lesson for today is the account of Jesus walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). This is a stunning example of the spiritual blindness that affects us all. These two disciples do not recognize the risen Lord. On their journey to Emmaus they patiently explain to Jesus everything that had happened in the previous days, including His crucifixion and the empty tomb. Unfortunately they hadn’t believed! Even walking along the road with Jesus himself is not enough. Their human powers of observation and reason are wholly inadequate to the task of discerning spiritual things.
Jesus is even more patient with these two unnamed disciples. Luke reports, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:26). Eventually, God in His mercy opens the eyes of these two fortunate disciples. Luke records, “When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (Luke 24:30-31).
How wonderful it is to know that God has provided for us in Holy Scripture His full plan of salvation in Christ. How breathtaking it is that He sends to us His Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament to bring us to faith and keep us in the faith.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Holy Scriptures and the Sacraments. Grant that Your Holy Spirit will keep me faithful in reading, studying and inwardly absorbing Your holy word. Keep me faithful in receiving the wonderful blessings that You have attached to Your Holy Supper. Amen.
Supper at Emmaus
by Caravaggio, 1601
National Gallery, London
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caravaggio.emmaus.750pix.jpg
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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