When I think about going on a pilgrimage, I am filled with excitement and look forward to making my journey. There’s a lot of preparation, planning, list-writing and anticipation of what’s to come; a positive experience on the whole.
The gospel story of being “On the road to Emmaus” is far from that. The
pilgrims on this walk are grieving, mourning the crucifixion of Jesus. They are heartbroken, downcast and filled with sorrow; their hopes have been shattered. As they walk towards the unknown, their steps are slow and laboured. It’s a struggle to put one foot in front of the other and to keep moving forward. The heaviness is palpable.
Many of us can sympathise with these disciples, having experienced grief on some level. Even
if loss is expected, it is devastating when it comes. Grief can be paralysing, leaving one feeling numb, unable to get out of bed in the morning, not caring about much, and heavy. The weight of grief can be unbearable.
These two disciples were left reeling from the traumatic crucifixion, death and burial of their friend, Jesus. Something in them died, too. As they walked, they talked. I imagine most of their discussion
was about the past days and what they had witnessed and experienced. “We had hoped”, they had said, joined by a stranger on their journey, so lost in their pain and grief that they were unable to see who he was clearly. Jesus was walking with them in their grief and confusion.
Jesus walks with us in our grief and times of loss, disappointment and hopelessness. This loss and grief are not just erased, and hope
does not return as it was before. But we must remember that death is overcome in Christ by resurrection. Jesus can redirect our grief, bring us peace and build hope in us again.
Reflect on those times when you have felt the comfort of Jesus in your grief and loss.
Is there somebody in your community you can accompany as they navigate grief and loss?
How might you share God’s peace with another this week?
