Friday, November 5, 2021
Greetings, Dear Friends ~
As a nation, we celebrate our veterans this coming week—11.11.2021. Please remember to share with the veterans you know how much you appreciate their sacrifices for our freedom. May it be well with them and their families….
In the Gospel of St. Luke 24: 28-32 (NIV), we read these words:
“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if He were going farther. But they urged Him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So He went in to stay with them. When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’ ”
I love this Gospel story that is a part of the account of Jesus’ encounter with two believers on the road to Emmaus. Disillusioned, saddened, and likely feeling somewhat lost after the death of Jesus on the cross, these two persons in the story encounter the Lord while traveling home. Though they didn’t recognize Him at the time, their hearts rejoiced as He spoke to them as only the Lord can….so much so, that they invited Him to come in and break bread with them.
It was at their table that their eyes were opened and they came to understand that Jesus, risen, was at the table with them. Particularly, the breaking of the bread (as His body had been broken) bore witness that it was indeed Him—and He was there.
There is something so precious and beautiful when we sit at the table together and share a meal. Think about how you feel when you are at the table with people you love and care about you—who only want the best for you. The simplicity of meeting an old friend—someone who knows you and loves you for who you are—is quite refreshing! Now, maybe your beverage of choice is not coffee, but it is what the coffee represents.
I am definitely a morning person, and begin to tune out as the day draws to a close (unless, of course there is something that demands my attention!). Sitting in a quiet place with a hot cup of coffee—and the opportunity to just pause and chat with a friend is very special to me. For a moment, we leave life’s roller coaster, engage in shared conversation, and savor quiet moments, all with a rich, aromatic cup of coffee! Priceless! At the table, we remember who we are, whose we are, and who we were (are) created to be. We regain our perspective and our sense of purpose that can get swept away by constant and competing demands. At the table, with our friends and our coffee, we have to opportunity to simply be.
It was at the table that the two on the road to Emmaus were revived with a new sense of hope, purpose, and understanding. The opportunity to share with the Master fed them in a way that was enriching and inspirational. As you are able, I encourage you to pause . . . find your way to the table . . . take a moment to savor a cup of coffee. Invite the Lord’s presence, even now, to be with you. As you sip your coffee (with your Friend), thank your Savior for another moment in time to be present with Him. Like a cup of coffee with an old friend, Jesus is there—always waiting, ever present.
The Lord be with you . . . go in His love!
Until next time, My Friend,
Selah
P.S. We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we should gather, and of course, we do it wisely and safely!