Third Sunday after Easter, April 6,2008

Scripture: Acts 2:14,22-28 Psalm 16:1-2,5.7-11. I Peter 1:17-21. Luke
24:13-35. Lectionary #47:

Doors and pathways are important symbolic words in the Bible. They come to
mind today as we listen to the liturgical readings. Fitting in with the
readings and the symbolism of a door or a pathway is an experience that
happened at a religious community this past week. The Brothers invited
five college study to come and see their style of community life and
prayer. Actually the five men were trying to discern whether they are
called to be a religious brother or a priest. One of them used the symbols
of a door and a pathway in explaining where he is on his journey. He said
he finds he is on a pathway toward searching for his vocation in life as
well as to what avocations (work, ministry, socializing) are on this path
toward his ultimate goal. He also said that there are many doors for whom
to choose which one to open. In Luke's great Ressurection chapter, the
last in his Gospel, Luke has two Israelites travelling away from Jerusalem
with dismay over the fact that their leader and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth,
has been crucified. Now it is the third day since they have left Jerusalem
after the Passover celebrations. They thought for sure that he would
possibly be the Messiah, but with his death that dream has vanished. Their
pathway was taking them to Emmaus, but when a stranger meets up with them
and starts to talk about their hopes, things change for them and they will
eventually turn around (a metanoia experience and a conversion expression
in the Scriptures)and head up to Jerusalem. They need this stranger to
jolt them into thoughts about the Messiah and Jesus of Nazareth. The
stranger opens up the Scriptures for them by going through all three parts
of them that they knew, the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings (Psalms). He
demonstrates that these can be looked upon as pointing to what they heard
and saw in Jesus' words and actions. They start to warm up to this
"stranger" who really is Jesus. Their hearts too are warmed with the
sentiments the Scriptures inspire and they beg the man to continue with
them for it is now getting near evening, the day is far spent, and they
hint at offering their companion hospitality. The path leads them to a
familiar place where their friends are gathered and they open the door to
the stranger. While there he blesses the bread offered, breaks it and
hands it to them to distribute. Wow! This is what Jesus did when he was
among them. Then another "wow experience" and they realize it is Jesus:
"and they recognized him in the breaking of the bread." Jesus has opened
the Scriptures for them now he feeds them with the bread of life, his own
self. Then he vanishes just as quickly as he had joined them on the road.
Thus both the symbol of the road or pathway led them to offer hospitality
in Jerusalem to this stranger. He, in turn, blesses their meal and makes
them realize it really is the Resurrected Lord. They opened the door to
him but he did not need it to be opened. Today we, too, hear Jesus in
another passage giving us the image of the door: "Listen! I am standing at
the door, knocking, if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come to
you and eat with you, and you with me." (Revelation 3:20). Our Psalm 16 is
one of great hope and fits the feelings of those who met Jesus on the way.
Martin Luther called it a "golden jewel." The last verse says it all: "You
will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights
at your right hand forever." Amen.