To Emmaus ( a walk at Easter)

On the same day that Jesus was risen

Two disciples were walking the path,

That led down to Emmaus from Jerusalem.

They were talking of things that had passed.

Then Jesus himself came and joined them

But they didn’t realise it was him

And he asked them what they were discussing

But their faces were cast down and dim.

Then the one who’se name it was Cleopas,

Surprised by the question replied:

Surely you are the one only visitor

That has not heard that Jesus has died.

So they told him of Jesus of Nazareth:

A great prophet and powerful in deed,

That his words before God and the people

Were a sign to a world in great need.

And they told him that Jesus was crucified

How the rulers had sent him to die,

Though we’d hoped that he would redeem Israel

As the One God had sent from on high.

What is more on the third day since Jesus died

Certain women brought news of that place

For they’d gone to his tomb in the morning

But his body was gone and left no trace

And they told us that they had seen angels

Who had told them that Jesus was alive.

Then our friends and companions went to the tomb

Confirming the women were right.

O how foolish you are and how slow of heart

To believe what the prophets would foretell.

For the Christ they foresaw had to suffer,

Then to glory to make all things well.

So he showed them through Moses and the prophets.

All those scriptures concerning his end

And then as they came into the village

They felt Jesus seemed just like a friend.

So they urged him to stay a while longer

‘it is evening the light’s almost gone.’

So he went to where they had their lodging

Jesus stayed, for his journey was done.

They sat down for some food at the table

He took bread and gave thanks for the meal.

And he broke it and began to give it them

Their eyes opened saw Jesus was real.

As they saw, and did realise that it was him

He then vanished completely from view.

Then they spoke : Weren’t our hearts burning in us

When he walked down the road with us two.