St. Luke had already noted to his readers that Emmaus was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Then, after Jesus had vanished, “they rose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem.” Upon finding Peter, John and the others, they told them all that happened. The reading usually stops here with Jesus being made known to them in the breaking of bread. However, Luke’s account continues with Jesus appearing and standing among them and speaking to them “Peace to you.”
It is an ironic text because the disciples had just heard the eyewitness testimony of two brothers in the faith regarding Jesus’ bodily resurrection, yet they are still gripped with fear and doubt. The disciples of Jesus’ day are no different than us. We have heard the Word of truth proclaimed and taught to us repeatedly and yet how easily our hearts become troubled by the things of this world. Fears about finances and the future so quickly grip us. We become worried about data on giving, attendance, and polls. Our country and our communities are divided and embroiled in all manners of bitter conflict.
And Jesus says, “Peace to you.” To those of you who are fearful and doubting, He speaks peace. To those who are troubled and conflicted, He speaks peace. In these gray and latter days, it is good for us to hear His Word again and again to sustain and strengthen us as we live in this warring world. May we be truly blessed with the peace of sins forgiven and Christ present with us to calm our troubled hearts!
Prayer - O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan