On the road to Emmaus

Two disciples on the road
to Emmaus walked one day,
carrying a heavy load
in their hearts on their way.

Jesus was more than a preacher.
They mourned the biggest loss -
their friend and dear teacher,
crucified on the cross.

Struck by grief and filled with sorrow,
anxious, troubled, and confused,
they were frightened that tomorrow
they could be, too, accused.

There was no need to roam
in Jerusalem and wait,-
they were returning home
to avoid their fate.

They were perplexed and scared
by the life’s cruel turn.
Talking quietly, they shared
their fear and concern.

They’ve lost the greatest hope,
they’ve lost the greatest light.
How to survive and cope,
when the world is seized by night?

Then they noticed: not alone
they were walking in sunset:
someone joined them, unknown,
asking why they were upset.

“Why? Are you the only person,
who in ignorance remains?
Jesus, we were so certain,
was the one, who’d break our chains.”

“Our hopes on Him were laid,
but, betrayed, He was  killed.”
Stranger said: “Don’t be afraid,
all this must have been fulfilled”.

Using scriptures, He explained
that it was God’s highest plan,
which in Jesus Christ contained
all salvation for a man.

Something burned in their souls,
something lightened their way.
Reaching their final goal,
they offered Him to stay.

What to offer they were able,
but a loaf of dried bread?
They put it on the table
and thanksgiving prayers said.

Their guest took bread and blessed it.
This had opened their eyes,
making them excited, restless:
it was Jesus in disguise!

It was Jesus, who, consoling,
walked with them, explaining all,
their frail faith upholding,
strange peace in hearts installed.

It was Him, the great Master,
who redeemed them by His death,
who can turn to joy disasters,
by His presence, by His breath.

Jesus vanished from their sight,
leaving gladness as a gift,
and, despite fatigue and night,
their decision was so swift.

To return back to the city,
by new vision energized,
no longer by self-pity,
but by hope galvanized.

If your future looks so blurry,
don’t lose this out of view.
Look around, don’t worry,
see, if Jesus walks by you.

28.04.2020

Иллюстрация: "The road to Emmaus" by Daniel Bonnell