Road to Emmaus

PHOTO MEDITATION

Road to Emmaus

By Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.

With broken hearts, dashed hopes and bowed heads Defeated and deflated we make our mournful way Far from the pain of shattered dreams that is Jerusalem Toward some supposed safety known as Emmaus.

Ever lengthening shadows and fast descending darkness Magnify the mournful doom and despair in our sorrowful souls Of once faith-filled disciples now to the four winds scattered Like sheep without a shepherd or pilgrims without a prayer.

Then unexpectedly an unknown traveler Joins our self-imposed exodus with questions Belying a truth and wisdom not of this world and A heavenly destination on the other side of life.

With hearts burning within us we arrive Where we once sought to stay in peace When the stranger, taking bread, blessed and broke it Opening our eyes of faith to see our risen Lord.

Heedless now of doubt or danger, we return To announce how in breaking bread we found him And see him still among the sick and poor oppressed No less than in golden tabernacles.

In adoration falling, worshiping God with us still.