On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him. He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast. The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?” He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago.But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread. -Luke 24:12-35 (CEB)
The wisdom of the Zen Masters holds that we can never be any different at any given moment than we are. Human development cannot be rushed, genuine maturity cannot be forced, and wisdom cannot be gained prematurely. The process of spiritual growth proceeds from healthy psychological and emotional development, a process that asks us to engage in continual self-examination that pushes us past our self-imposed limits.
The disciples were a lot like this. They could never be any different than they were at any point. The disciples could never fully grasp Jesus despite their many encounters with him along the way. They knew him (they thought); they understood him (they thought); they recognized him (they thought).
Faith development has been likened to a journey, a path along which we encounter God many times and under many different circumstances throughout our lives. Perhaps the measure of mature Christian faith lies in our ability to recognize Christ when we meet him. He’s always present, but our eyes are sometimes focused elsewhere. Just as the 18 year old could not recognize the presence of wisdom in his father, we’re often unable to recognize the presence of God in the people with whom we share our lives.
One of the most interesting things about the resurrection accounts is that no one seemed to recognize the Risen Jesus. Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize him at the tomb, nor did Thomas when Jesus stood before him in the room where the disciples were hiding. The apostles on the road to Emmaus walked seven miles with Jesus without knowing who he was. The disciples who were fishing on the Sea of Tiberius saw Jesus standing on the shore, but knew him not. The Lord’s last days in Jerusalem hadn’t unfolded as they expected. Their confusion blinded them to Christ’s power and presence when he stood right before them.
We can all fall victim to spiritual blindness at times, particularly when we’re disappointed or distracted by our biases, prejudices or immature patterns that linger throughout our lives. A distorted vision can cause us to lose sight of Jesus, to miss his cues and misunderstand the ways in which he is present to us daily.
There will be no trumpets to announce his arrival, no flags will be raised when he is present among us. Chances are, Jesus will remain hidden in plain sight among those we love, among the poor, the marginalized and those with whom we share the journey toward wholeness (holiness).
Thomas Merton once said that the only journey worth taking is the journey inward. The Paschal Mystery is unraveled in the mystery of our humanity and the mystery of our most intimate relationships, those who challenge us to open our eyes and ears to the truth of who we are and who God is among us.
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