Burning Hearts and a New Creation: Journeying with the Resurrected Christ

There are many stories about appearances of the Resurrected Christ following his persecution, crucifixion, and burial. In the Gospel of John, St. Mary Magdalene meets the Risen Jesus at the tomb. St. Thomas the Apostle touches the hand, feet, and side wounds inflicted by the Crucifixion. Jesus enters the locked room where the Apostles were hiding. While fishing on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus greets the Apostles on the shore and invites them to breakfast. Each of these accounts gives us information about the new form Jesus takes after his death. His body is tangible - it can be seen, heard, and touched. Jesus can eat food and speak with his beloved friends. He constantly reassures them, reminding them of all he said during his ministry and their own preparation as they start their ministry as his hands and feet, his Church. 

"On the Road to Emmaus" George Ellen Holmgren copyright Ministry of the Arts www.ministryofthearts.org

The story of the Resurrected Christ that I find myself most intrigued by is Luke’s account of the Road to Emmaus. I can easily place myself in this story; two travelers, recounting the crazy happenings in Jerusalem as they make their way home after having followed Jesus and the Apostles to the city. How many times have I swapped stories with friends after a big event? We ask each other what we saw, what we heard, who was there, and how we felt about the whole situation. Sometimes with sadness and heavy hearts, sometimes with joy and excited giggles, we share what we know and consider how to best move forward. What we express proves that we were there, we were present to witness to whatever it was that happened. 

This is where the disciples on the road to Emmaus find themselves. Not only recounting the events that happened in Jerusalem on Good Friday, but establishing themselves as present to that happening. They are solemnly eager to include the mysterious traveler they encounter in the narrative of Jesus’ passion, death, and burial. They are amazed that someone could have been in the city and not heard about the injustice that occurred. I often feel the same when my friends and family haven't heard of an egregious injustice, scandalous situation, or media sensation that has drawn me in. I want them to feel my passion, outrage, and frustration, to join me in commiseration and brainstorming, to accompany me in working for change. 

The story of the Road to Emmaus ends with the disciples recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread. One of my favorite lines in Scripture is expressed here - “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” These disciples felt the presence of Jesus, even when they did not know it was Christ in their midst. Once they put the pieces together, they spring into action, returning to Jerusalem to proclaim this amazing news - Jesus returned, he did what he promised and now we must respond in the way we live our lives. This moment acts as a turning point; the disciples from Emmaus are not just witnesses retelling the events they saw, now they are transformed into advocates and companions with burning hearts and moving feet. They are propelled to real world discipleship. 

Easter calls us to the same advocacy, accompaniment, and courage. The Resurrection means that injustice does not have the final word. Death is not the final straw. Complacency has no place in the Kingdom of God. We participate in the renewal of creation in witness and in action. May your heart burn this Easter with the desire for a better world and a new creation.