An Inspirational Message for the Month of November 2024 – The Way of Mercy – by Charles Schokman
Reflection
Many of us have heard the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus multiple times. But today, we invite you to see it as an example of Jesus accompanying two people in desperate need of mercy.
The two disciples are fleeing Jerusalem in fear. They’ve left the community of believers and set out on their own. Like so many in our community today, they have lost hope.
Now, Jesus draws near to them and walks with them. He listens to their story and sorrow, empathising, consoling – accompanying them.
Then he begins his instruction.
He starts with a rebuke: they are “foolish” and “slow of heart to believe” (Luke 24:25). They are stuck in wrong-think, which is preventing them from seeing and receiving the good news.
Recalling the sacred words of Scripture, He demonstrates the fulfilment of God’s plan in the events of His own life. He leads them to see purpose and meaning in the traumatising events of the past few days.
Lastly, he prays with them and offers his own body for their nourishment. The Scripture says He “took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” (Luke 24:30). At this, “their eyes were opened” (Luke 24:31). Now they see!
The fog of despair dissipates, and their hope is restored. Immediately, they repent (i.e. change direction) and return to the community of believers, full of joy and renewed faith.
Some scholars have suggested that the two disciples are Cleopas and his wife Mary. We know from John’s Gospel that Mary was one of those at the crucifixion with the mother of Jesus (John 19:25), so it seems plausible that the unnamed second disciple was this woman.
If so, it leads us to reflect: How many couples are just like this one? Despairing and losing hope? It may be that their relationship is struggling. Or that one of their children is pursuing a path of self-destruction. Or that some other personal tragedy afflicts them.
Like the pair heading to Emmaus, initially, they cannot see a resolution to their issues. As a result, they seek to escape the reality of their circumstances. They do not recognise Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Sadly, they pursue a path independently of the believing community.
Yet Jesus enters their life discreetly – even anonymously. He accompanies them in their pain. Then, He invites them into a new reality – a different way of seeing their tragedy (“their eyes were opened”).
Jesus feeds and nourishes them with His words and body. He attends to their physical and spiritual needs.
He then empowers them to do the same for others.
Prayer
Lord God, You love us with an everlasting love and call us to enter more fully into intimacy with You. May we encounter You ever more deeply as our loving Creator.
As we seek to accompany our brothers and sisters in pain, keep us mindful of the example we provide through our life of faith. Teach us to suffer graciously in our own lives, relying on You for strength and encouragement.
Give us a pure heart so that we may see You in every person we encounter. We pray, Lord Jesus, that through us, each one might encounter Your steadfast love, empathy and longing for communion.
Lead us in the way of mercy. Amen.
Courtesy of Francine and Byron Pirola.—SmartLoving.
You are welcome to pass this on.
