Third Sunday of Easter

Zephaniah 3.14-end Acts 2.14 Luke 24.13-35

I start with a love story. It is a story of two people who are deeply in love. Unfortunately, circumstances arise where they have to be separated for a period of time. They make a pact, a promise, to each other. Every evening, provided that the sky is clear, they will go out and look at the Moon at an agreed time. Doing it together will bring them closer to each other even though many miles hold them apart. In sharing at looking at a familiar object distance is removed. Their love for each other is transmitted through another object.

In the modern world of today there are many ways that we can use to keep in touch with each other. Distances are removed when we use the telephone or send an e-mail, or even a text message. But back in the days of Jesus there were no such luxuries. Then it would have been a case of the Moon, or some other object, being the transmitter of love. The concept of a place, object or person being a link would have been common practice.

Today we have two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. They were deep in conversation discussing the recent events that had happened in Jerusalem. They were joined by a stranger. The conversation continued and the stranger gave an explanation of the recent events. He spoke of why they had happened. Later, when they were about to part their ways, the stranger was persuaded to stay with them. Whilst blessing and eating bread realisation dawned upon the disciples. They recognised who this was that was speaking with them. The bond, which was for them the eye-opening moment, was the bread as Jesus blessed it.

The disciples felt full of joy. They were uplifted. They realised how they felt as they were speaking on the road. Without delay they returned to Jerusalem to tell the eleven, and their companions, what had happened. How it was in the breaking of the bread that Jesus had made himself known to them.

Today we can share in that same moment which the two disciples experienced. Part of the climax of our worship is when we break bread. It is at this time that, through our faith, we believe we shall be sharing in the Body of Christ, just the disciples did at that first Last Supper. Standing, or kneeling, we can gaze upon the broken bread, The Body of Christ. In a few moments his body will be placed in our hands as we share in the Passion of our Lord. Moments later we share in the wine, the Blood of Christ, poured out for us on the Cross. The bread is our link with the Risen Christ. Through that bread we are close to Jesus.

But we have other ways in which the bond with Jesus is formed. It is very difficult these days to go anywhere without seeing a church. Many of them have a cross on the roof or spire. The cross, symbolising the Cross of crucifixion, is lifted high on the building that many may see it as they pass by. We are never far from a cross. The link binding us with Christ is easily accessible. The cross serves as a timely reminder that we are just a glance away from the Lord.

Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter

Almighty Father,

who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord:

give us such knowledge of his presence with us,

that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life

and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.