Submitted by Pastor Andrew Sanders, Fairfax United Methodist Church

Luke 24:13-17 – ¹³“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, ¹⁶but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ¹⁷And He said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”

Many of us are familiar with the scriptural account of the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus following the resurrection of Jesus. This encounter is one that I’m sure many of us have heard recounted or will hear recounted in the weeks to come. In church we discuss the Emmaus encounter most generally following Easter because it invites us to join with the early church leaders in discovering Jesus in even the bleakest of moments.

I think that it would be safe to say that this scripture has found some of us in the midst of a very bleak moment in our own lives. There are two reasons why I chose this bit of scripture to share with you. The first is that the disciples were talking about local events when Jesus joined them.

I’m sure that we, too, are talking about all the events that have taken place for the last month. As we are discussing with others, I would encourage us to be uplifting and patient. It is easy to be filled with fear and anxiety at a time when our known world seems to be changed all around us. This can be disorienting and scary. Right now, we have been impacted by the social distancing and the distribution of some goods. There may be other ways that we are affected in the future.

In this time, it is important to note another thing about this scripture: “¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them.” While they were in this moment of confusion and anxiety, Jesus came along beside them to let them discuss all that was on their minds and then remind the disciples of all the teachings that Jesus had given them.

Friends, we are the body of Christ, be calm, reassuring. Take the time to listen to others and remind everyone of the teachings of Christ, by being Christ to everyone.

Stay safe, keep your distance, and wear your masks and gloves, knowing that Christ is walking alongside of each one of us during this time.