We bow to your yes-face

11Apr
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going further. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them.
https://biblia.com/bible/nrsv/luke/24/28-31

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
-Luke 24:28-31


In 2021 Trinity Church commissioned 12 of its artists to create artworks for a “Stations of Easter” tableau to be displayed on the Jackson Avenue fence for the benefit of the passing public.


I was assigned The road to Emmaus story. (Luke 23:13-25) The scene takes place on Easter Sunday; the central characters were followers of Jesus, but not among the 12 Disciples. They were like many of his followers who fled Jerusalem after the crucifixion, fearful that they would become associated with a ministry that had gone so wrong. They were afraid. It was risen Jesus’ first appearance to folks outside of his inner circle. The importance of the story is signaled by the unusual amount of narrative detail the Gospel writer gives it.


As I began to paint, the creative act became prayer; technique and narrative became brush strokes; I was creating a prayer in paint. It ceased to be a picture of a story.

On the canvas, Emmaus is in sight. Cleopas and his compatriot walked with their hoods pulled over their heads, craving anonymity. They were afraid. A stranger with a yes-face and a too-clean robe began walking with them. For some reason, Cleopas and his friend set aside their paranoia and begin to talk to the stranger. They do not notice he does not cast a shadow in the afternoon sun like everyone else.

 

After small-talk about the fecund date season and the burden of Roman rule, they began to discuss the crucifixion of the Nazarene prophet. Cleopas and his mate are reticent to tell this stranger of their relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, even though the conversation has tweaked their raw feelings about the loss of their beloved friend and mentor. They wanted more.

 

As they approach the last sharp turn to climb the steps into town, Cleopas takes a chance. He invites the stranger to stay and take supper with them at his aunt’s house. The stranger accepts.

 

The stranger suggests they have supper on the roof. The spring air is fine and the full moonrise will provide ample light for dining. Under the starlit sky, Cleopas’ aunt asks their guest to bless the meal and break the bread. As the fascinating stranger breaks the bread, he holds it up to the giant moon. Only then, the family notices the moonlight shining through the stretched-open holes in Jesus’ hands. Each takes bread from the man they now know as the risen Savior, “This is my Body which is given for you, to keep you in eternal life.”

 

The Gospel reports that Jesus then disappeared. More accurately, the too-clean stranger with the yes-face; the risen Messiah, Jesus, ceased to be another; and became one with them.


Musical Reflection - Little Blue - Jacob Collier


Risen Christ, we bow to your yes-face, to your too-clean robe, and to your gift of Grace. You show us on the road to Emmaus how the power of your love washes away fear and enables us to shoulder the burdens of the world for you. How beautiful. Thank you. Amen.

Saints

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