3 Takes on Emmaus

I love the Easter Season! For those not in the know, Easter doesn't end on the day the bunny brings the chocolate. Easter - the liturgical season - just starts then. We have such amazing readings during this season. Like today's Gospel ... the Road to Emmaus. Today I thought I'd share three different takes on the story for your reflection (and mine!).

Take One
This icon by Sister Marie Paul, OSB of the Mount of Olives Monastery, Jerusalem (1990). I was first introduced to the idea that one of the disciples who met Jesus on the Road to Emmaus may have been a woman by my old spiritual director. This icon gives an image to that tradition. It's become a favorite source of prayer for me at Easter time. (Learn more/order the icon here)

The “Road to Emmaus” Icon by Sister Marie Paul OSB
of the Mount of Olives Monastery, Jerusalem (1990)

Take Two
This poem by Denise Levertov (from The Stream & The Sapphire) based on this painting by Velazquez

The Servant-Girl at Emmaus

(A Painting by Velazquez)

She listens, listens, holding

her breath. Surely that voice

is his – the one

who had looked at her, once, across the crowd,

as no one ever had looked?

Had seen her? Had spoken as if to her?

Surely those hands were his,

taking the platter of bread from hers just now?

Hands he’d laid on the dying and made them well?

Surely that face -- ?

The man they’d crucified for sedition and blasphemy.

The man whose body disappeared from its tomb.

The man it was rumored now some women had seen this

morning, alive?

Those who had brought this stranger home to their table

don’t recognize yet with whom they sit.

But she, in the kitchen, absently touching

the winejug she’s to take in,

a young Black servant intently listening,

swings round and sees

the light around him

and is sure.

Take Three
As I shared earlier this week, younger women religious are reflecting on the Easter Season readings at the Giving Voice website. Check out Sister Lisa Buscher's take on the story.

Happy Reflecting! Feel free to share any thoughts in the comment box.