Immanuel

Read Luke 24: 13-35 - The Walk to Emmaus

When I Look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Psalm 8: 3-4 (NRSV)

Aris A. Roman Silva lives in Puerto Rico. One night as she was brushing her hair before going to bed, she saw a reflection of the full moon in the mirror. Remembering Psalm 8, Aris felt a sense of well-bring and peace. She went to the window to admire the moon but saw only the tree in her garden, its branches and leaves blocking the moonlight. She turned toward the mirror and the radiant reflection was still there. Looking out the window again, Aris searched intently to pinpoint the exact opening or space where the moonlight was coming through. Only darkness filled the garden. She could not see the moon even though she was sure she was looking in the right direction.

She thought about the story in the Gospel of Luke about the two disciples and their encounter with Jesus on the Emmaus road. Wrapped up in their grief, they did not recognize the stranger who joined them. Just as Aris could not see the moon directly but saw its reflection, sometimes Aris forgets that God is always there. Even when our circumstances cloud our vision, God will be there to walk beside us.

Prayer: Living God, open our eyes and grant us the wisdom to discern your presence. Thank you for never leaving us alone, in Jesus' name. Amen.