In a world in which people often focus on differences, on what separates people, we have here the opposite, a story of connections - as ever, Jesus turns things upside down.

Luke’s author gives us more detail than we see elsewhere, and writes it in journeys. Two disciples are walking together on the road to Emmaus. One of the disciples was a man called Cleopas. The other might have been his wife. We’re told that Mary the wife of Cleopas stood near the cross with the other women. Was this the same Cleopas?

The risen Jesus walks with them, listening to their account of what had been happening. Does he have a twinkle in his eye, I wonder? Then he challenges them: ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!’ Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interprets to them the things about himself in all of the scriptures, so that they make the connections, and begin to grasp the enormity of what’s been happening.

The disciples are not too offended by being called foolish and slow to believe. They press Jesus to stay with them. He’s made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Then he’s gone from their sight. They reflect on their journey with him, how their hearts were burning within them as he spoke, and they go straight back to share the good news.

This imagery makes connections for us too. Jesus comes alongside us, and speaks into our hearts. We invite Jesus into our lives, in baptism and confirmation. He’s made known to us in the breaking of the bread. We’re prompted to share the good news as we reflect on our faith journeys.

There are connections between the scriptures, connections between the churches, we are connected with each other and with God. Jesus brings everything together wonderfully. Let’s reflect on that, and focus on connections rather than differences.

Amen.

Julie Rubidge, Lay Minister.