by Sister Sally Ann Brickner
The Easter Story and the Earth Story
In the gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter Luke recounts the journey of two disciples to Emmaus on the very day of Christ’s resurrection. As they walk, they discuss everything that transpired during the last three days, and especially the astounding news of the women that Jesus’ tomb was empty! They find another traveler on the road and reiterate to him the events that happened to Jesus, as well as their dashed hopes. Their mysterious companion, having listened to their heartache, relates to them the fourteen-hundred year story of salvation that finds its triumphant fulfillment in Jesus’ dying and rising to new life. And then, wonder of wonders, they recognize Jesus Himself as he takes, blesses, breaks and shares the bread with them.
During this week we will celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd). Like the disciples on their pilgrimage to Emmaus, we might choose to walk outdoors and immerse our five senses in God’s beautiful creation with its unfolding of new life. As we do so, we might ponder the 4.54 billion year Earth Story of which we are part. Slowly, scientists are revealing to us the evolving story of the swirling cloud of gas and dust that ever so gradually was transformed into our universe. Just as Jesus explained salvation history to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he can reveal to us the Earth Story. Why? In John’s Gospel we learn that Jesus, the Word of God, was present and active from the foundation of the world.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made. Jn 1:1-3.
As Jesus opened the eyes of the disciples so that they could see God’s design throughout salvation history so Jesus can heal our blindness to the wonders of God’s creation and our part in its unfolding story. Like the disciples, may our hearts burn with resurrection hope that God will continue to renew the face of the Earth through our loving care of it!
Happy Easter! Happy Earth Day!