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Julian and Claire – The Emmaus Syndrome |
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Saturday, 10 December 2011 00:00 |
A reflection from Claire in Bangladesh, from the Emmaus story in Luke 24:13-35:
Privately I used to scoff at the two friends on the road to Emmaus for not recognising Jesus. I sometimes struggle to put a name to a face, but this was Jesus for goodness' sake! How could they miss Him?
Actually, to be honest, I miss Him regularly. I often don't recognise Jesus in a friendly smile or a neighbourly wave of acknowledgement. I overlook His presence during a companionable cup of tea or a natter on Skype. I didn't see Him in the iridescent blue flit of a kingfisher's wing or the scarlet bougainvillea cascading over the wall. I didn't feel Him in the affectionate squeeze of a child's hand or the welcome breeze on my face. I didn't hear Him in the laugh of an after-school tale told around the tea table or the trill of unexpected bird song in the morning. I didn't smell Him in the glorious waft of frangipani fragrance or the air pervaded with newly baked biscuits. I missed Him as the sweet mango juice dribbled down my chin or as the fresh bread stuck to the roof of my mouth.
Yet they were all glimpses, whiffs, touches, tastes and whispers of Jesus. I know they were because they warmed my soul. My apologies to Cleopas and friend; I didn't recognise Him either.
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