Over the past few weeks I have been reflecting on Luke23: 13-27 the Emmaus Journey. Luke’s story open’s with the two disciples downcast, bewildered by all they have seen and heard. They had experienced the reality of the death of Jesus, the diminishment of life as they had hoped it would be and a loss of their hopes and dreams of a future. This reflection also connected me to the horror, the pain, the sadness and angst of the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena where so many people lost their lives or were injured. As families and friends searched for their loved ones, like the disciples they experienced bewilderment, fear, anxiety, sadness and despair. The fact their life and the life of others had changed. Also on the Emmaus Journey the disciples encounter Jesus even although initially they did not know him. Jesus simply meets them where they are on the road; he establishes trust, reaches out to them and encourages them to unburden their hearts by telling their story. We also see these attributes manifest at Manchester Arena as people reach out with care, concern and support, as well as giving, holding and loving every human person in the midst of death, injury and destruction. We know people opened their homes, taxi drivers took people home distances free of charge and emergency services dedicated themselves night and day to healing and mending those they could. What is evident is what Jesus teaches us that love is manifest and transparent in life through the very essence of our humanity. Just as Jesus on the Emmaus Journey is fully attentive to the disciples, the people involved in and those who surrounded the Manchester Arena are also attentive to the needs of those before them and for that we are deeply grateful.
We pray for all families involved in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, for those who lost their life, who were injured and ask that in the midst of despair, grief and loss they will continue to be held by those who surround them over the coming weeks and months as they voice their story of events.
In prayer,
Lorraine
We pray for all families involved in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack, for those who lost their life, who were injured and ask that in the midst of despair, grief and loss they will continue to be held by those who surround them over the coming weeks and months as they voice their story of events.
In prayer,
Lorraine
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