Road at Ngataringa fields
In the post-Easter season, the church revisits the resurrected appearances of Jesus, as recorded in scripture. The Emmaus Road narrative from Luke 24 captures the imagination and reminds us that spiritual life, the way we travel with Jesus, is a progressive unfolding of understanding and growth in faith, not a static experience.
The late Kiwi writer and pastor, Mike Riddell wrote; 'Each traveller brings something of God, and the combination somehow draws God out of the shadows and into the light. It is this need for the wayfarers to gather that brought churches into existence. Church at one time meant a gathering of people. Now it means a building with a steeple. Worship at one time meant the act of celebrating God's presence. Now it means a collection of rituals at 10am on a Sunday morning.'
This is perhaps a provocative, even harsh observation, but Riddell has a way of making us think, drawing us out. The risen Jesus interrupts two disciples on the road to Emmaus, as they are unpacking the events that have transpired in Jerusalem. He draws them out by asking "What things?" as they discuss the events of his crucifixion, and rumours of his resurrection. Entering into their conversation, he unfolds the biblical wisdom that points to the facts of the gospel and the coming of messiah.
As we journey together from Easter to Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit enable transformative conversations, with those who we know, and those who we meet along the way. May we too encounter the risen Jesus on the road.
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