In the In-Between

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

   

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

   

“What things?” he asked.

   

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” --Luke 24:13-24

It's Saturday. Holy Saturday. Tonight, many churches will hold vigils, spending time in prayer and darkness and uncertainty, yet knowing, hoping of the Resurrection which awaits us at Easter.

We know the end of the Story. Christians are fond of saying this. "We win! We win! We have read the end of the story and we win!"

True enough. But this is kind of like flipping to the post-game wrap-up without listening to the actual game.

(Who are "we"? And what, exactly, have we "won"? Does this mean there is a loser, as well?)

Imagine not knowing the rest of the story. 

Imagine watching this drama unfold before your eyes. First, the one we have waited for shows up, is proclaimed the Messiah-- but he does not come with might or arms or soldiers or anything that a "real" king would need to wrest power from Caesar. 

This King is beaten and scourged, whipped and crucified-- and he never said a word. Never defended himself in any way. Ever.

Imagine not understanding what he meant by "raising up the Temple" after three days.

And even as the truth begins to be revealed, through the women, through Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved, still-- so many questions, so many doubts!

Saturday was a rough day. That day in between was a doozie.

And yet-- this is where we live. In the in-between times, between the Christ's first appearance and his promised second coming. Between the "already" and the "not yet."

The difference is, we have seen-- and we believe. Don't we?

Do we live our lives in glorious anticipation, preparing the way (again) for the Lord, making straight the pathways of our King?

Have we learned anything from the way Jesus lived and loved? Does it show in our lives? On our resumes?

Think of your life-- as Saturday. Time to live out the truth we proclaim. Time to offer ourselves poured out for those who hunger or are in need of whatever we may be able to offer.

Jesus gave us one mouth . . . two ears . . . and two hands and two feet. 

Stop talking. Start being and living and doing. 

Christ has died. Christ is risen.

Christ will come again. Amen.