Journeying with Resurrected Jesus

Journeying with Resurrected Jesus

Thursday, May 25

Thankful Thursday

"They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. But they urged him, 'Stay with us because it's almost evening, and now the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, 'Weren't our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?' That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, who said, 'The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!' Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24:28-35

As we have taken this Eastertide “Journey with Jesus” we’ve taken a deep dive into the story of the two travelers who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. As we know, the two were initially unaware of Jesus' true identity. However, when they invited Him to stay with them things became clearer. When Jesus took the bread, blessed, and broke it... their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. It was a moment of profound revelation…vision! It was an encounter with the Divine. The realization that they had been walking and talking with Jesus Himself filled them with awe and I would imagine…gratitude. They had been blessed by the presence of the Holy One.

So, inspired by the blessing of what they had experienced, the two travelers couldn't contain themselves. They immediately wanted to share the good news with the Eleven and the others who were gathered there. Their hearts overflowed with a burning desire to spread the message of Jesus' resurrection and the transformative power of encountering Him.

I wonder, Sisters, as you have experienced encounters with God, did you recognize Him? Were you filled with awe and gratitude? How did you express that gratitude? I think these are great questions to ask ourselves based on this week's focus scripture.

My prayer today is that when we encounter the blessings of God (and we do on a daily basis), it would ignite within us a similar fire of gratitude that compels us to share our encounters with God or "God-moments" with others. Every blessing in our life, big or small, is because of His presence. Look for Him today, Sisters. Sit in the awe of His blessings. Be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, and then go and share the story of His goodness and grace in your life with all who need to hear.

And I have a request on this Thankful Thursday... Would you consider starting here, today, now? What is something that has happened in your life—big or small—that was so obviously a blessing from God, an encounter with Him, and you just couldn't wait to share with others and give Him the glory.

Jesus, thank you for journeying with us. Sometimes we don't recognize You, but we believe You are here. There are times when we are sad, disappointed, and even a little lost in this world, because the expectations of our humanity get in the way. When You make yourself very evident, though, our hearts burn within us. Will you help us to recognize that and trust it. Your presence can make us brave. Today, we commit ourselves to You. We want to be transformed by Your presence in our lives and Your power in our bodies. We belong to You, and that Truth makes us glad. Amen.