If I were to just pick one passage that would define my ministry or at least my theology it would have to be Luke 24 and the Road to Emmaus. This is a beautiful encounter with Jesus and two disciples, not some of the twelve, disciples. In Luke it is these two who first witness the Risen Lord who get to be affirmed of the secret that Jesus is out of the tomb.
As these two are walking on their journey home, after great disappointment, they encounter a stranger along the way. They welcome this stranger into their journey and they teach and tell him things about Jesus as well as learn from him. At the end they welcome him into a meal and as the bread breaks their eyes are opened and they recognize that it is indeed Jesus!
Life is a journey. We are on a path walking, stumbling and even sometimes confused but when we invite Jesus to walk alongside us our walk is transformed. When we invite the Divine into our lives, our lives are changed and we can feel the power. And if we are luckily we will meet God, there in our journey.
As a Pastor I also see myself in the role of Jesus now that Jesus has ascended, I am called to walk with people along their own journeys - teaching them but also listening to them and letting them teach me. I am called to shepherd people through the rough times and to rejoice with people during the happy moments. I am called on this journey to help reveal the Divine Holy Presence to people and often do that by breaking bread and offering communion.
This is a powerful and wonderful passage.
