Prayer:
O Jesus, restore my hope.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with these two disciples.
Context:
This is the longest story of any Easter vision and presents a model for Christian initiation. In this first part we see the disciples’ sadness and dejection. They are walking away from being disciples.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Without God, our happiness depends upon events that are outside of our control.
- These two disciples see only one choice. They leave Jerusalem and abandon their dream.
- In their despair, they cannot recognize Jesus. They can only talk about these events.
- Cleopas is even annoyed that this stranger doesn’t know what happened.
- The whole story seemingly ends in confusion. The tomb is empty. Angels have spoken. Some have seen the empty tomb but no one has seen Jesus.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, do not let external events control my life.
- Jesus, if I lose you, I will lose my dream.
- Draw near, Lord Jesus. My life is in shambles and all is in confusion.
- Stay with me, even if I do not recognize you.
- When life crushes all my dreams, you are my only hope.
Resolution: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will place all my hope in the Risen Jesus.
+ I will not abandon the dreams which Jesus has given me.