Scripture ~ That same day [the third day after Jesus’ resurrected appearance to Mary in the garden] two of Jesus disciples were walking to the village of Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?” Luke 34: 13-18
Spiritual focus ~ “We are all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass, U.S. American spiritual teacher, author, and yoga guru, renowned for his book, Be Here Now.
Breath Prayer ~ Every breath, a new beginning.
Devotion ~ “In wisdom, the heart is primarily an organ of spiritual perception…the heart does not perceive through differentiation…rather it perceives by means of harmony.” This quote from the Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault suggests that the heart is the place where wisdom resides and where we recognize our oneness with God. Once we make that realization, there is no more separation, only harmony. In our scripture story today, we find an all too familiar story of minds being so engaged that we fail to see what is right in front of us. The disciples are walking, talking, and trying to understand logically what is really an unbelievable story: the death and resurrection of the one they hoped was the Messiah. The disciples are so in their heads that they do not recognize Jesus as he begins to walk with them. Their minds are so focused on understanding that their hearts are not receptive to the full wisdom of who Jesus is and where he is going. It is not until they pause for supper and Jesus breaks bread that they recognize him. It is not intellectual wisdom that opens their eyes, but heart wisdom, a spiritual perception and connection that harmonizes their hearts with the heart of Jesus, opening them to Jesus’ presence.
The philosophy of yoga helps us look deeper into ourselves, embracing what we cannot explain with our mind but can perceive in our hearts. Brahmacharya is one of the yamas or universal values of Patanjali’s sacred text, The Yoga Sutras. While the Sanskrit word has varying meanings, one meaning depicts Brahmacharya as a practice that invites us to peel away all that is unnecessary to get to the heart of the matter so that we may experience the Divine presence.
When we acknowledge the wisdom of both the mind and the heart, we often realize we do not walk alone. An interesting observation from the story of Jesus on the road to Emmaus is that even though the disciples—who loved Jesus—did not recognize his presence, Jesus still walked with them until their hearts were opened and harmonized with his. We are all just walking each other home, walking together and without separation.
