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.