Luke 24:13-35New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Walk to Emmaus
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.[b] 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth,[c] who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.[d] Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah[e] should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us[f] while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
The Rivendell Community started in Memphis, with a house across the street from Grace-St. Luke’s church being used as residence for Mother Virginia and Cathy, and meeting place for the community. At that time, there were no chapters, as nearly all of the community was residing in Memphis. However, when Virginia was called to Springfield, MO, the Rivendell Community in Memphis found itself without a Rivendell house and without the founding leaders of the community. The community in Memphis decided to carry on the practice of holding a Saturday evening community meal, but rather than have it at a fixed location, it would be held at community member’s homes.
This brought to mind the circumstances of the Jesus’ Disciples shortly after the crucifixion, travelling on the road to Emmaus, not knowing how they would carry on, and feeling their hearts burning with Jesus’ words. Thus was formed Emmaus Chapter.
Emmaus Chapter has suspended its Saturday evening gatherings of Evening Prayer, a potluck dinner, and Bible study due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope to resume once it is over. Emmaus Chapter chapter is active in ministries of hospitality and care for the poor and homeless, and Recovery. Emmaus members founded and operate Constance Abbey, which serves as a meeting place for prayer, and service to the poor in the neighborhood around St. Mary’s Cathedral. Recently, Constance Abbey has been feeding 50 – 100 people every day, as it is one of the few ministries that has remained open throughout the pandemic.
For more information on Emmaus Chapter, contact Murray at murray@constanceabbey.org.
The Rivendell Community 