Listen

They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.

Luke 24:33-35

Think

One of the things that brings me hope during this time of unexpected isolation and separation has been imagining the reunions once the “stay-at-home” orders have been lifted – to see in person the faces I’ve only seen over Zoom, to share a handshake or a hug with someone from whom I’ve been “socially distanced” for all this time. In particular, I look forward to gathering physically again with my church family.

Right now, though, I don’t know then that will be. Mid-May? June 1st?

Still, it’s fun to picture. Getting up and racing — like those two disciples in Emmaus — to join others at church. As soon as we are allowed, I expect we will quickly throw off the constraints of our social distancing practices, smiling and embracing and lingering for a long time with one another. I think we’ll need to design a worship service with extra time for the “passing of the peace,” and a coffee hour spread that makes you want to stay longer than usual.

Jesus will be there, and we’ll all know it.

Peter Hanson

Pray

Reveal yourself to me, Jesus, just like you made yourself known to your disciples in the breaking of the bread. As you have been with me in my quarantined isolation, be with us all in our restored community. Amen.

Go

God calls you to venture where you cannot see the end, by paths never yet taken, through perils unknown;

Go with good courage, not knowing where you go, but only that God’s hand is leading you and God’s love is supporting you.