Luke 24:13-35, which is one of the ancillary texts for this Sunday, is one of my favorite passages of scripture as two followers on their journey to the village of Emmaus are joined by the risen Jesus. I love to close my eyes and imagine this event.
As they walk, they are joined by a third person who just happened to be Jesus. They did not recognize him. He is welcomed into their walk and talk, and he listens as they describe his own story to him. Jesus adds commentary to the conversation explaining the prophesies concerning himself which apparently causes the apostles "hearts to burn," and still, they did not know who it was. Only after they sat down to eat together, and Jesus took the bread and broke it, did they realize this was the Christ! 
- I wonder how many times we fail to recognize God in our very midst as we have our preconceived ideas and notions as to what, when, how, why, and who the Incarnate is and is not.
- I wonder how many times the truth is precluded from us as we discuss issues, events, and yes, even scriptures?
- I wonder if it is in the sitting down together, the breaking of bread together, the very intimacy of gathering round the table in community that truth is found?
- I wonder if there is something to the very act of sharing our food and hospitality that releases us to sight? So many important events occurred in Jesus' life during mealtimes. (How many can you name?)
- I wonder if the focus on eating releases our brains to greater openness and the consideration of other paradigms.
- I wonder if as the church struggles with inclusion and welcome to all people if we might be more effective in our discernment if we were sharing our fare together around the table.
This very week I shared with someone how my own nebulous fear dissipated during the sharing of a meal. I'm not going to tell that story today, because I want to ponder the thought a bit more.
I wonder...
This Sunday we will share the bread and cup of communion together as we also celebrate the baptism service for 5 of our young people. Brother Nelson will be sharing the message with his primary scripture text Acts 2:14a, 36-41. "Today we celebrate that youth who have been nurtured in our homes and congregation have heard Jesus voice and have said yes and are taking an additional step in their trek with Jesus. We will reflect again on the confessions we have made as we join in hearing baptismal vows. We will marvel at the many ways Jesus has walked with us, at times unknown to us. We will celebrate as we share the feast of Jesus body and blood given for us."
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| Baptism doesn't denote a boring and safe life but rather the willingness to have crazy adventures with God! |
Please join me in the Rec Room at 9:55 AM for a time of singing.
For the month of May we will be collecting items for relief kits. Mennonite Central Committee is responding to dire needs in South Sudan and other desperate areas of the world. There is a sign up sheet in the lobby for the necessary items. MCC_South Sudan
Travis has marked completing a marathon off his bucket list and at this point, he doesn't plan to run another! Congratulations, Travis!
They're back! I just looked out the window and there are two hummingbirds battling with their light sabers at the feeder.
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Help us to be gentle and patient with one another. You are near. We confess our anxieties and fears to You and seek Your guidance. Thank you for this very moment. Open our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus that the peace that is You and is beyond all knowledge and understanding will fill us. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.
Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol
"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd
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