A vision of two people walking a dusty road for seven miles as they leave Jerusalem, heading toward Emmaus. Their steps are heavy, but I do not see them as broken. Their story is recounted in Luke’s Gospel, chapter 24. They are Cleopas and the other one, who leave on Easter Sunday, headed home. But we had hoped, is the phrase that defines this walk. They had hoped that He (Jesus) was the one to redeem Israel. Perhaps you know the story. These two are joined by a third, who asks questions, and is told the story of the one these two were following, and of his death. They have heard from some women in thier company that he has not stayed dead, but they are not convinced.
The Walk to Emmaus, as recounted in Luke 24:13-38, is a story of humanity in action. The two walk together, which you have to admit is smart – walking alone is great for contemplation, but two by two has been the safest way to walk since our nursery school days, right? Two by two means you have someone to watch for cars when you cross the street, someone’s hand to squeeze if the conversation ends up touching on those tender parts of our story. Two by two can be as quiet a walk as you want, or as animated.
When we walk side by side in our culture, we have the opportunity to learn from the other, to examine our own thoughts/beliefs, and more. I yearn to learn more from people whose beliefs are not identical to mine. Talking to only those who think and believe like me is an echo chamber that does not feed me. If we are to emulate the Walk to Emmaus, that post resurrection walk of enlightenment, I think we need to walk with varieties of people. And listen. Have you ever caught yourself listening to another’s conversation, and find yourself busily preparing what you will way in retort? Yes, mea culpa. That ain’t conversation, folks, that’s an echo chamber.
What is needed, perhaps is more opportunity to think and feel differently, and to share that safely with another. I recommend an article in the Christian Century by Barbara Brown Taylor about her own encounter with Holy Envy – the opportunity to learn from other faith traditions and find new life for own’s own faith there. https://www.christiancentury.org/article/critical-essay/my-holy-envy-other-faith-traditions
If deep philosophical conversations with another faith sounds a little daunting, start smaller. Chat with the other dog walkers in your neighborhood. Visit with the folks who workout near you at the gym. You have to start somewhere.
Why should we walk alongside others who do not share our particular beliefs? Well, this is why – https://www.pewforum.org/2017/02/15/americans-express-increasingly-warm-feelings-toward-religious-groups/
The PewResearch council has shown that knowing someone in another religious group produces warmer feelings toward that group. Really. The article also mentions (frighteningly) that Muslims believe Americans hate them. Well, that makes me sad. When there were horrific killings in New Zealand last month, I communicated with the local Islamic center by text, because the only way I am connected to the local muslim group is on facebook. But our conversation was warm, and I hope to connect more. If we are to change the cycle of hate and destruction in our neighborhoods and our world, we must start with walking alongside. Learning from each other, and putting fear where it belongs – away from our hearts.
Won’t you consider walking alongisde this year? Let’s talk about it at Holy Cross Lutheran in salem tonight, at 6:30 pm, 1998 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301. www.holycrosslutheran-salem.org Bless you. – Pastor Patricia+