Luke 24:13-35 gives us the beloved story often referred to as the Walk to Emmaus. While some of the more prominent of Jesus’ followers are hiding behind a locked door, others, like the two in this story, are heading home. Along the way, a stranger approaches, and they start to walk and talk. While some are hiding, these two tell a stranger all about the events of the past few days and their dashed hopes. Then, as is the custom, when they arrive home, they invite the stranger in. During the meal, he takes bread, gives a blessing, and when he hands them bread, they recognize him.
What if they hadn’t befriended a stranger? What if they hadn’t shared their faith? What if they hadn’t invited him in?
How many times do we avoid doing similar things – and what might we be missing when we do?