Post-Easter Gospel wisdom for Schools. Luke 24:13-49

Luke 24:13-49       The road to Emmaus

John 21:1-19         The miraculous catch of fish.

Although I had originally planned not to post the next Gospel Reflections until after the school holiday break, in looking at the readings that would otherwise have slipped by, I noted that within these two stories referenced above, lies some of the most profound wisdom for us as Lutheran School communities. Another reason for reflecting on these readings, is that here we have a rare opportunity to peer in through a very special window segment. We have a rare opportunity to hear the words of Jesus from this premium post-resurrection perspective. Here we have Jesus speaking to us with "runs on the board". This is not just Jesus the amazing prophet and good bloke, this is the Jesus who has become the Christ, Jesus the risen Lord, Jesus the Messiah, Jesus now revealed to us completely as God from the other side of the cross!

Firstly some comments on the Road to Emmaus story. This incident really does have something to say to us in a post-modern, post what-ever world that we find ourselves in. Is this not a detailed description of us as individuals, of us as schools and indeed of us generally in 21st Century society, so all-consumed with what is going on around us, that we are completely oblivious to the fact that our God revealed in Jesus is walking right beside us? The ongoing incarnation, God with us, in us and around us, as described in this story, puts a whole new meaning on "where two or three are gathered!"

But the really profound implication for us in Lutheran Schools these days, comes out of what happens in v 30,31. What is it that opens our eyes to Jesus' presence? The breaking of bread!

Verse 16 "But they were kept from recognizing Him", reminds us that we cannot come to know (recognize) Jesus by our own efforts. God needs to be at work in us. God comes to us in the celebration of His holy meal. We need to regularly celebrate this holy meal together as a staff community. This is not to discourage or replace existing opportunities for staff to commune in the setting of their own congregations, but rather to open up new doors to those who (for whatever reason) do not have that opportunity.

For a second opinion ... let's turn our attention to the John reading, not to be confused with the remarkably similar story descibed in Luke 5:2-11 in association with the calling of the first disciples. It is interesting to think that this may well be an account of the last meal with Jesus!

There is a fascinating twist to this story that can't be fully appreciated unless we first build a very clear picture of the context. The miraculous catch happens in Galilee a distance of at least 140 kms from Jerusalem.  Jesus had planned for his disciples to meet him there (Matt 28: v10,16). He also mentioned this to them once before his death (Matt26:32). From John 20 v19 and v26 we see that the timing of the rendezvous at Galilee has to be at least a week (plus travel time by foot) after the resurrection. Picture the disciples up in Galilee then, waiting for Jesus to show up. Some commentators suggest that there is a sense in which Peter in particular, may have said " blow you ... I'm sick of waiting ... how do we know when He is going to show up next? ... I'm getting on with my life ... I'm going fishing (going back to what I know and used to do)." It certainly makes for interesting speculation. When Jesus does show up and if indeed Peter has stuffed up yet again and in a way, disobeyed orders for the disciples to meet him there, note the response! There is no rebuke. Jesus simply says "Come and have breakfast!" Note also the challenge that Jesus issues us: Try doing it my way (throw your net on the right side of the boat)!

Where is our breakfast table? As school leaders we cannot operate on an empty stomach. Of major significance and a common link with the Emmaus story is the sharing of the bread, reminding us again of our need to regulary source soul food. We need to take up Jesus' invitation to "Come and have breakfast". But further, our responsibility extends to providing opportunities for ALL members of staff in our school community to sit at the breakfast table.

Nev