Thursday, October 19, 2006


Where can we find the spiritual firepower to live above our human frailties so we can faithfully follow Jesus? There is a story near the end of the Gospel of Luke that offers some clues. After Jesus' death most of his followers went into hiding. Two of them decided to head for the village of Emmaus a few miles from Jerusalem. They had heard rumors that the tomb was empty, but they weren't willing to stay around to find out what had happened. As they walked along the road to Emmaus, discussing what had happened, Jesus met them along the way. Since they were convinced that he was dead, they didn't recognize him. They continued to walk with him and talk with him and were so taken by this "stranger" that they invited him to stay with them. As they ate together that evening, Jesus took bread and blessed it. When he broke the bread and gave it to them, their eyes were opened and they finally recognized Jesus. Their encounter with Jesus kindled such a passion for him that they had to share it with others. We will develop the spiritual firepower to live above our human frailties as we walk together with others who are committed to walking with... talking with... staying with... eating with... burning for... and telling others about Jesus. -- Bob