"What Things?" by the Rev. Dr. Kristofer Lindh-Payne

St. Francis Spiritual Sustenance : October 11, 2022 ========================================

In today’s video, Kristofer reflects on some of the amazing things that God has been doing in and through us at St. Francis. As he shares stories of powerful transformative encounters, Kristofer invites each of us into a larger story of all that God is making possible in our Parish and Community Center.

The gospel lesson for today from Luke recounts an experience of the resurrected Jesus walking with two grieving disciples along the road to Emmaus. The disciples do not yet recognize him, as they journey along. As the discussion unfolds, the shrouded Jesus asks them about “what things” they are talking about with such passion.

As we pay close attention to “what things” God is doing in our common lives together, it is clear that we have much to rejoice in and give thanks for. What are you witnessing at St Francis as we walk along together? For what do you give thanks and rejoice in?

Luke 24:13-27

Now on that same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.