Sunday 26 April 2020

IN THE MIDST OF DESPAIR THERE IS HOPE

A MEDITATION for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Luke 24: 13-35

Disbelief, anger, frustration, pain. These are just some of the emotions we experience along the journey of life, especially when things do not go as expected; when dreams do not become realities and hopes are dashed.

Today’s Gospel reading relates the account of two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on that first Easter Day. As they journeyed, discussing the events of that day, they were joined by a third person whom they did not immediately recognize. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” he asked

They stood still, their faces downcast, or as another version puts it, they were sad. They related to the stranger the things that had happened in Jerusalem - the report of the women who had gone early to the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus who had been crucified three days previously; the message of the Angels are that Jesus was alive. The problem for them was that they had no proof that Jesus was alive. They had not seen him. Perhaps they were of the view that someone had taken away the body. For them, their hopes that Jesus would redeem Israel had been crushed .

We recognize that humanity, which is all of us, are on our journey, which I call an Emmaus Road journey. It is one in which there is much disbelief, anger, frustration, pain anxiety and sadness at all levels of society right across the globe. At the root of it is COVID-19. For most persons, especially those directly impacted, it is truly a rollercoaster experience. Initially, there was the hope that it would quickly pass away. Then it was declared a pandemic as the situation intensified , the hope dwindled and was replaced by a sense of despair.

As we focus our minds on what this has done for us as a people, we have to face the reality that life is not what it was just a few short weeks or months ago. Our way of life has changed drastically. In some instances the change brought some unexpected good. For example, persons are now able to spend more time at home with family members, especially children, as working from has become something of the norm rather than the exception for many parents.

it has enabled parents and guardians to become teachers to their children, to be their playmates and I dare say, to become their best friends. This is like a resurrection of family life which had been under siege due to the daily hustle and bustle which so many have had to endure just to make ends meets.

On the other hand, this journey has caused and continues to cause hardship, pain and grief, particularly when loved ones are taken away suddenly, alone and sometimes in pain. In this situation, family members cannot be there to hold a hand and provide comfort in the final stages of a loved one’s life. Added to that is the pain of not being able to have the usual burial services.

Such are the realities of these days in which we live. We can do precious little about from a human point of view, save to follow the advice of the medical and governmental agencies to protect ourselves as much as we can.

It is in this sense that our hopes, and aspirations have been dashed and the question may be asked ‘where is God in this’? The emotions are overshadowing our understanding that God is with us each step of the way even where there is a feeling that he has failed us, leaving a future that that looks uncertain and even bleak.

That is how those men must have felt on the walk to Emmaus.

The truth is God in Jesus Christ is walking with us on this journey. He is with us, engaging in conversation as we ponder the situation we face. He is engaging in conversation as the world contemplates the way forward. He is listening and understands the cries of the people, the suffering , the dying and those who seek to lend support to others in need. He is engaging the minds of the researcher, scientists and decision makers that they do what is right.

He is with us! The question is whether we recognize his presence.

Jesus spoke with the men as they walked, challenging their slowness of heart in believing the prophets. He continued the journey with them, even as they entertained doubt. He sat to eat with them and it was only as he broke bread and shared with them that they suddenly realized that it was the Lord. “Were not our hearts burning within us while we talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us”?

I believe that God in Jesus Christ speaks to us in every situation in life. There is always a word for the season, and this COVID 19 season is no different in that respect. Are we hearing? Are we conscious of his presence even when life is at its worst, even as we experience doubt and pain, sorrow and uncertainty? Are these things preventing any of us from discerning the presence and word from God for his people today.?

We do not have to wait the spectacular before we believe, but there are times when our spiritual eyes and ears are attentive to God only when something special happens.

Jesus broke bread gave thanks and gave it to them. Then they knew it was the Lord. He had done something that was special to his followers - in breaking and blessing the bread. In that act he revealed his identity to them. It was just days before that he did the same thing at the last supper with his disciples.

My friends, Jesus is with us even now. He is revealing his will and his way with each passing day, with each act of kindness, caring and sharing. He speaks to us through the pain, suffering, and death especially as we focus on this pandemic. We ought to hear his assurance that as we look to him, nothing will be done or endured in vain. I have said often that we must look for the positives in this situation. Aren’t we seeing some already? I mentioned one before concerning parent/children relationships. It goes further Now; Nature seems to be rebounding. This is the season of resurrection - New life, renewed hope. May our hearts burn within us as God in Jesus Christ walks and talks us through these troubling times.

Paul writes in Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A Evening Prayer

Lord, keep us safe this night,
Secure from all our fears;
May angels guard us while we sleep,
Till morning light appears

Amen!