Tales Told on the Road to Emmaus

Book excerpt: Many people in the US today are searching for meaning, longing for a spiritual home. Unfortunately, in ever increasing numbers, they fail to find either in our churches. In 1970, for example, only one in twenty Americans responded "none" when asked about their religious affiliation; today that number is closer to one in three. During the same period, the percentage of Americans who stated that they never attend religious services has increased from nine to 30 percent. Some blame secularization for the steady decline in Church affiliation; others point to the rise of individualism. Still others express frustration with the structure and politics of organized religion. They judge it to be more concerned with money, status, and influence than with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In recent years, the terms the "nones," "dones," and "seekers" have been used to describe those who find themselves alienated from traditional faith communities. Members of the first group have no religious affiliation; those in the second, once active in a Church, report that their spiritual needs are no longer being met there; those in the third group have not given up completely on organized religion. What has been the reaction of many mainstream churches to this growing phenomenon? Some have been at a loss as how to respond; others have failed to understand the deep sense of alienation experienced by so many; still others appear reluctant to take action to connect us all with the heartbeat and message of a God who loves us profoundly. Rarely have the "nones," "dones," and "seekers" heard a church minister say, "I get it," "I see it, "I've been there." We offer the reflections found in this book not only for those involved in Church life but also to help build a bridge between those alienated from organized religion and those of us involved in ministry within at least two of its denominations. The book is made up of a series of reflections. Many address challenges that are facing our world today: greater self-understanding, trust, love, a generous outreach to others, the need for prophetic leadership and greater care for the human community. Painful topics are also considered: racism, exclusion, poverty, sexual violence, the plague of COVID-19 as well as its devastating effects on the lives of so many. The reflections in this book have their origin in sermons and homilies given as part of Church services, on retreats, and during the celebration of life events such as baptisms, weddings, the commemoration of those who have died. The book's title has its origin in Luke's account of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Its details are familiar: confused and demoralized, Cleopas and a companion are walking on the way to Emmaus when a stranger joins them. They are amazed that he appears ignorant of recent events in Jerusalem as well as the crucifixion of Jesus. They share their hopes, now dashed, that he might have been the Promised One. Slowly and steadily, the stranger explains the scriptures to them, shares the stories, makes sense of the tales. They press him to join them for dinner and to stay the night at an inn. It is in the breaking of the bread during dinner that they come to realize just who he is. It is the Lord. We hope that this book will appeal to readers who long to deepen their experience of God as well as to those who continue to search for a spiritual home. May it serve as a guide for us all as we seek to find the place of faith in our lives as well as for those of us who are eager to transform our religious institutions into the harbors of hope that they can and must be.