"So they drew near to the village to which they were going.  He acted as if he were going further, but they urged him strongly, saying "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them." (Luke 24:28--29 ESV)

I must confess this Scripture is part of one of my favorite "stories" of the New Testament.  It is the story of two Disciples walking to Emmaus and Jesus joins them.  They don't recognize Jesus but enjoy the conversation so much they invite Jesus to "stay."  I think we can be walking and not recognize Jesus is walking right beside us.

At a meeting I was at, this weekend, something different was pointed out.  It is something I think each of us should be thinking about.  These Disciples have not "yet" recognized Jesus but the "invite" Jesus to stay with them.  Jesus had acted "as if he were going further" but he, AFTER being invited, "went in to stay with them."  So..... I want to ask you.........  Do you recognize Jesus is walking with you?  Have you invited Jesus IN?  Something to think about because Jesus DOES want to "stay."

""Mary!" Jesus said.  She turned to him and cried out, "Rabboni!" (which is Hebrew for "Teacher")"  John 20:16 NLT

When do you share something?  When you have "to much" of something?  When you are excited about something?  When you are in need of help or encouragement?  When you have found something that really helps you so you think it might help someone else?  When you DO share how do you share?

This is the Scripture from Sunday morning...the story of the Resurrection.  Mary is still at the tomb, crying even though Peter and John have left, even though the angels have spoken with her.  Now she sees the person she thinks is the gardener.  Then... this person calls Mary by name.  And Mary recognizes Jesus.  She is excited, calling Jesus "Rabboni!"  In a few verses Jesus will tell Mary to "go, find and tell" (v. 17) the Disciples.  Which... Mary DOES.

So....... God calls us, by name, and asks us to share God's love - to "go, find and tell" - do we?  We are excited, we say "He is Risen! and respond He IS risen, indeed!"  But do we share with others God's love?  Something to think about......

"So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"  (John 12:13 ESV)

How do you celebrate something?  Do you go "out to meet" it? Do you wait at home?  Do you travel to someone's house or business to celebrate?  What does it take for you to "celebrate"?  As I write this I am at my son's celebrating the middle grandson's birthday.  This is the first time, in his 19 years, I have been able to "celebrate" his birthday with him.  This is the Lenten season and clergy are a little busy (especially with a multi-point charge) to travel for a birthday.  This year, however, I am "retired" so I could be here.

The people, in Jerusalem, "went out to meet him" and were excited.  They were crying out (shouting?) "Hosanna"!    They were waving "branches of palm trees" and some translations say "spread their cloaks on the road." (Matthew 21:8 ESV)  Do we get that excited about praising our God?  Do we celebrate with family and friends?  Do we TALK about our faith let alone shout (celebrate) our faith?

What did we do for the 19th birthday?  We had a quiet family dinner "out" and played some games?  We celebrated together, talked(!) and enjoyed the food and the fellowship.  What are you doing to celebrate?  Are you getting ready to celebrate Easter?  Something to think about........