Savoring Easter - The Walk to Emmaus

The Walk to Emmaus

Have you ever driven from work to home and did not realize how you even got there? Or maybe after driving to a friend’s house or the store? We tend to be so caught up in our heads that we sometimes miss what is right in front of us. We often think about our to-do list for the day or the day’s events, not paying any attention to our surroundings.

I imagine what the day must have been like for the disciples as they walked to the road to Emmaus. Was it sunny or cloudy? Were they paying attention to their surroundings as they talked? I think about the disciples walking to Emmaus and being so engaged in their conversation, they do not realize Jesus is walking alongside them. “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them.”

How many times has this happened to us? Have you ever been going through life wondering if you are making the right choice or asking for a sign, not realizing that God is providing those answers and that you may have missed them?

Over the past five years, I have experienced many changes. I did not realize that these changes were part of the path I find myself on now. As I reflect on the scripture of The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35), the words that keep coming to mind are, “Jesus drew near and walked with them.” As I have become more involved in ministry work, I love it. The opportunity to co-facilitate retreats, lead prayer groups, and a spiritual book club has brought me much joy. It sometimes scares me because I do not know what it all means. Yet, I am thrilled when doing the work, especially knowing Jesus walks with me.

Have you had moments when you were doing something you genuinely enjoyed and felt this warmth in your heart? I call those moments God-giving moments. As I reflect on my life from my twenties until now, I see that the signs to work or be involved in ministry in some capacity have always been there.

I just failed to recognize the signs or perhaps wasn’t ready to see them. Despite everything that happened to Jesus, he loved his disciples and never gave up on them. After his resurrection, he continues to teach them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of hearts to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory? (Luke 24: 25-26)

How often do you have to listen to someone repeatedly tell you something until it all comes to light one day? Once Jesus left them, they recognized that their hearts were burning. What are the areas in your life now that Jesus is walking with you and teaching you? What are the areas in your life that you are being challenged?

We are all so busy that finding time to be still and pay attention to our surroundings can be difficult. I love to go hiking. I feel rejuvenated every time I go. Unfortunately, I cannot go hiking every day, but when I do, I make the most of it. It’s one of the places I feel most connected to God.

Another way that I have learned to feel connected to God is through the prayer of The Examen, a beautiful prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola, which has helped me recognize God throughout my day. To become aware of those God-giving moments that, at times, we tend to miss because of the busyness of our lives, This beautiful prayer allows you to look back at your day and see those moments where God was present, moments of consolation. If we hadn’t reflected on it, we would have missed it. There are moments we might have struggled to overcome, and we can bring those times of desolation to God for his guidance.

Jesus never gives up on us, even when we fail to see him or miss the signs he provides. The words of Luke’s scripture comfort me: “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them.” I missed the signs for a very long time. Yet, I find myself in a new chapter involving ministry work in a different capacity. In those moments when you recognize God working in your life and have an opportunity to share it, do it! We need to do what the disciples did. I do not know where the road will lead, but I trust that God has me where he needs me. He walks with you every day. What is he asking of you today?

Going Deeper Together:

Book suggestions from Liz Aceves:

• The Examen Prayer by Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V.
• Finding God in All Things by William A. Barry, S.J.
• Finding Your Hidden Treasure: The Way of Silent Prayer by Benignus O’Rourke OSA

Can you recall a time that Jesus was walking with you but you didn’t recognize it until later? How might you recognize this sooner in future situations that you desire to feel the presence of Jesus with you?

Read more about The Examen Prayer and using the steps presented by Becky Eldredge, try praying with it today.

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Photo by Joran Quinten on Unsplash

Elizabeth Aceves

Liz Aceves is a passionate Catholic school educator with a decade of experience teaching Spanish. Her love for working with children and teaching them about their faith and language has been a constant source of inspiration. Liz believes that learning a second language is essential in fostering acceptance and understanding among people of different cultures. Her spiritual journey has been enriched by her discovery of Ignatian Spirituality eight years ago, and she has been an active member of the Inner Chapel community for three years. Liz finds joy in facilitating the Friday Inner Chapel Prayer group, surrounded by inspirational women. As a devoted wife and mother of two teenage boys, Liz enjoys reading historical nonfiction and spiritual books, traveling, and hiking.