Scripture Reflection, April 6: The Ultimate Servant

Scripture Readings:
Acts 2: 14, 22-23
Psalm 16
1 Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24: 13-35 

Click here to listen to the podcast of this scripture reflection.

Last Friday two friends and I got together to talk about music selections for my upcoming wedding. Since I inherited my father’s inability to carry a tune, I am grateful to my friends, who will also be singing at my wedding, to take the time to go over the selections. Although I cannot sing, I know what music I do like. One of my all time favorite songs is “The Servant Song” by Richard Gillard. It perfectly illustrates what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and to be in relationship with one another. I find the second verse especially fitting for the beginning of a marriage, and I hope that my fiancé and I will be able to take these words to heart throughout our relationship: “We are pilgrims on a journey, we are travelers on the road. We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.”

The Gospel reading for this Sunday is the Emmaus story. Two disciples of Jesus are leaving Jerusalem after the crucifixion of Jesus. They are disheartened by the events that took place, angry at their religious leaders for their role in Jesus’ death, and wondering what their futures hold. Along the road to Emmaus, they unknowingly encounter Jesus. When they relate the story of the past few days, this stranger chides them for losing faith and says, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” The Gospel continues with Jesus interpreting the scriptures for the two disciples. It is only after sharing a meal with Jesus that they recognize him in their midst.

Jesus first called these disciples to follow him during his earthly ministry, and now he calls them again to remain faithful to his mission and to continue on even in times of despair and fear. The Gospel reading tells how the disciples returned to the community in Jerusalem and recounted their experience of the risen Christ. They wanted to bring news of joy and hope to their friends and loved ones like Jesus did for them. Jesus was and continues to be the role model for all of us on how to be servants to others.

In these current times we have the influence of individualism that pulls us away from the concerns of our community. We tend to focus on our own troubles and concerns and forget our roles in the community. The Emmaus story is important not only because it demonstrates that Jesus’ love and support continues, but it shows us that we are to situate our lives and our own service in and among a community. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we have been called to lives of service, and we cannot turn away if things get too difficult. Our friends and loved-ones are to remind us to stay hopeful and faithful, and we are to do the same. “We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.”

By JoEllen Windau