Weekly Devotional

The Road to Emmaus

by Fr. Dr. Derrence Ross Dmitri Th D, New Zealand

Saturday 14 May 2011 (6 Pachons; 6 Bashans)
Jeremiah the Prophet.

Let not .... the rich man glory in his riches.
(Jer.9:22)

CONSIDER THIS:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help
in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the
earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea.
(Psa.46:1-2)

But I want you to know that head of every man is Christ,
the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
(1 Cor.11:3)

Do not seek the perfection of the law in human virtues,
for it is not found perfect in them. Its perfection is
hidden in the Cross of Christ.
(Mark the Ascetic)

Do not honor virginity on its own merit, but for
its association to God.
(St. Augustine)

When you look at your weaknesses, you will find
yourselves trifles. Instead, evaluate yourselves
according to the price paid for you.
(St. Augustine)

Lord, abide with us as You did with the Apostles,
when You gave them Your peace. We ask You to
grant us Your peace and save our souls.
(The Agpia)

REFLECTION:

Those who possess riches outwardly must take care
not to possess them inwardly. That is, with desire.
They must eliminate everything earthly from their
desires.

Heavenly Father, keep our hearts from dwelling on
earthly riches. Help us to seek the True, spiritual
riches that You give us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Catherine of Siena)

SYNAXIS:

The Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Tokyo is the premier Orthodox
Church in Japan. It is located on property that St. Nicholas purchased
in 1872. Construction began in 1884 and the Church was Consecrated
in 1891. The original Cathedral was seriously damaged during the
Great Kanto earthquake of September 1923, rebuilding it became
a major task for Metropolitan Sergius. The rebuilt Cathedral was
re-consecrated on December 15,1929. It is commonly known as
Nikolai-do,meaning House of Nicholas, reflecting the popularity of
St. Nicholas in Japan.
(From.S.Herman Kalendar 2011)

HOMILY:

The Road to Emmaus

And behold, two of them went the same day to a town which
was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus.
(Luke 24:13)

For our joy and consolation St. Luke gives us a very full account of how our
risen Lord spent the afternoon of Pascha. We can only guess for what special
personal reasons He chose to show Himself to these two disciples; but it
shows how eager He is to begin teaching and explaining the tremendous events
of Holy Week. "I, if I shall be lifted up, will draw all things to myself." (
like Moses lifting up the Serpent in the wilderness and signifying His being
lifted up on the Cross.)

The two set out early, they talked and reasoned with themselves, perplexed
by a seeming contradiction: they had known Jesus and His Words, and had been
sure He was the Christ, the Son of God, and yet He could not be, since God's
people had rejected Him, and all the hopes had come to nothing with His
death. Sound familiar?

Our Lord overtakes them - addresses them encouragingly - but their eyes are
held, and yet they feel moved to great trust and free speech towards this
stranger. He listens to their problem. Then at last He comes in with the
word that like a vivid lightning flash reveals to them a whole new world of
thought. "Ought not the Christ to have suffered?"

So, as they walk over the hills, He shows them how it is all part of God's
plan, and all set out in the Scriptures when rightly read. He reminds them,
no doubt, of the repeated unfaithfulness of Israel, the rejection of the
Prophets, which culminated in the rejection of God's Own Son. Isaiah said
that the Servant of God would become a 'Man of Sorrows.' Some take a pride
in being ignorant of the Old Testament. We ignore it at our peril.

On arrival at Emmaus and the day being almost gone, they persuade the
stranger to eat with them. So in the Breaking of Bread (maybe a Eucharist)
He is made known to them. He held their eyes because He wanted them to love
Him as an unknown wayfarer. If we love our neighbur, whom we see, God will
show Himself to us and make our hearts burn within us with Love of God also.

To Thee be glory and praise, now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.

AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 32:8; Matt. 15:29-31.
Morning: Psalm 107:1-2; John 7:10-13.
Liturgy: Gal. 3:5-11;1 John 3:2-11; Acts 5:12-20;
Psalm 20:5-6; Gospel John 6:47-56.
Jeremiah: 1 Cor. 14:20-25; Luke 4:22-30.

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