the third sunday of easter
the PRAYER. . .
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING. . .
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
the DEVOTION. . .
The reputation of the twelve had never been stellar. But they were a real call-down-thunder, never-leave-you, die-with-you group of guys! Thursday night, in the garden, some were, even, ready to kill for Jesus! But since then, things hadn’t gone all that well. Betray … Deny … Run away and hide … Even after the resurrection, they hadn’t done much better. One time, they believed the body had been stolen. Another, they’d trembled together behind locked doors. Now, this week, two of them are calling it quits and heading home.
Of course, arrogance might have a role to play. To be full of ourselves. To be conceited, overconfident. Believing god can’t live without us. That we’re children of the all-mighty. It takes even more chutzpah to consider the church – in this day, at this time – essential and indispensable. As essential and indispensible, as first responders. But then, with a track record like the original disciples, maybe there should be room in faith for a little humility, as well …
Bob Barndt, pastor