Christ on the Road to Emmaus. Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Christ on the Road to Emmaus_G-001552-20120605/Public domain
I see the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus as a link between a God-centred community and a self-centred society. It is the road where some of Jesus’ disciples, who were running from the dangers of Jerusalem, met the resurrected Jesus walking in the opposite direction. However, they did not recognise him.
It is along this same road that Jesus sent and continues to send his post-resurrection Church. It is the road that the dominant and the dominated, the used and abused travel as a scattered and diverse mass of humanity. It is the road that some, disillusioned with politics and religion walk, as they move away from a God-centred community.
It is along this same road that the afflicted, exploited, excluded, disappointed, angry and insignificant people walk. The same road people of all faiths and none walk together soul searching, all needing someone to listen to them and accompany them along the way. It is listening that gives authority, both to the listened to and the listener.
The image of the field hospital Pope Francis speaks of so eloquently as a metaphor for the Church lies along this road, where humanity’s wounds can be treated and healed. This is where the Church creates its identity in the proclamation of God’s mission. We take part in this proclamation by building life-giving relationships with all those who travel this road with us. We listen to, and walk with the travellers as they tell their stories, explain their hopes and dreams, and share their aspirations and joys.
It is along this road that invitations of welcome and hospitality are given and accepted. It is in this experience of welcome and hospitality that life-giving bonds are strengthened and deepened, leading to a renewal of commitment.
What is important to recognise is that in the giving and the accepting of hospitality and welcome, we have the central act of Eucharist, of an ongoing commitment, exposing our vulnerability to life-giving relationships for the common good. It is in doing so that we become not indispensable, but dispensable.
Columban Fr Ray Collier lives and works in Britain.
Listen to "The road to Emmaus - a road for mission"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - March/April 2022
