The Emmaus Experience

More than once I have asked about the name "Emmaus" for the retreat house. Each time I answer I feel a bit more deeply that the meaning of "Emmaus" in the gospel sense is both symbolic and characteristic of what goes on here, what our ministry is all about.

Persons who pass through Emmaus on a casual visit for whatever reason, are usually struck by the atmosphere of peace and space and natural beauty. Most of these express the desire to return some time, conveying the impression that it is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What brings people to Emmaus though can best be described as the personal invitation of the Lord, however that comes to them. Over and over I have remained speechless in the face of the story told by some weekend retreatant as they describe what made them decide to come. Most times it is a combination of very ordinary reasons, or an unexpected intervention, or a spontaneous decision. The way that these persons seem to settle in, the ease with which the programme seems to fit with them, confirms my belief that what brings them is more than just human reasoning.

People come bringing themselves, nothing more or less. Faithful churchgoer and disillusioned worldling - we greet them and meet them where they are and as they are. They meet themselves in the heart of Christ. There they break the bread of their lives and as they continue to do this with one another, they too, like the disciples at Emmaus, come to recognise him - along with many other truths. They recognise their poverty and their wealth, their needs and their enslavements, their yearnings and their desires, their greatness and smallness. Often their greatest surprise is the fact that they both loved and lovable. It is something I can never take for granted. The journey, in depth and intensity, may differ for each but somewhere along the road "Emmaus" happens. Once again, "they recognise him in the breaking of bread".

This simple description of happens may sound idyllic but it is deeply rooted in reality. And reality in Emmaus involves, like any human enterprise, the nitty-gritty of physical details.

No group passes through here without in some way enriching our lives. We are renewed by the youth; encouraged by married and engaged couples; humbled by the response of "hardened" men; inspired by the honesty of family groups. We ourselves, as we plan together, are discovering new gifts of creativity. We are learning to call forth one another as well as to make way for one another. As we witness the touch of God on people's hearts, we are growing more deeply convinced that this is God's work and our role is to prepare them to meet him  and then get out of the way. It leaves us with little room for pretence with one another or ourselves.

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