Come, Holy Spirit

“That very day (Resurrection Sunday) two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.” (Luke 24:13-15).

One of the striking points about Luke’s recount of Cleopus and his friend is as they were walking, they were struggling together to understand the most tragic events either had experienced. The point is they were “in it together”. There was the basis of mutual experience and trust so they could share the anguish and grief they were experiencing on the day’s walk back to Emmaus (when was the last time you walked seven miles across a dusty, hilly terrain?).

When Jesus approaches them, he doesn’t ask about their downcast appearance nor does he ask about how they feel; he asks them about their conversation that he walked into.

Loudoun Valley Emmaus is about monthly Gatherings, Walks, teaming, and gifts of agape to those we know personally and those we don’t know so well. It is also about the small group relationships we form with each other where we share our inmost thoughts and struggles that occur day in and day out in our Fourth Day and then hold ourselves accountable to the ones who listen.

In this context, stop and consider the opening words of the Prayer to the Holy Spirit, “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love”. We aren’t only sharing our deepest thoughts with those we trust; we are also sharing them with the Holy Spirit who is as present with us during those small group moments as Jesus was with Cleopus and his friend on the road to Emmaus.

Regards,