When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. – Luke 24:13-35

Good morning, friends! It’s been a busy weekend, loaded with challenge (lost glasses, crashed computers, poison-ivy…), opportunity (teaching, reaching out, mission to the homeless…), and blessing (pretty much everything, so long as we keep our eyes on Jesus).

I’ll post a photo gallery at the end that covers more, but for this morning’s writing I’m going to talk about Sunday afternoon’s outreach into downtown Raleigh.

This is a mission we share with other churches, but this weekend was an extra, as we filled in for a congregation that was unable to put a meal together this time. So 18 faithful Presbyterian disciples served dinner to around 85 homeless guests in the small park that stands between the governor’s mansion and the state legislature.

The operation is well organized (it’s been said that Sandie Buda could run a Fortune 500 company standing on her head!), so the practical part of serving ran like a well-oiled machine.

Consequently, many more of us were freed up to spend time with our guests, carrying trays, sitting down at table, helping them select from a huge table-full of new t-shirts and other necessary clothing.

I listened to some stories; I shared some encouragement, and – hopefully – we all communicated the most important message we had, and that is the liberating, reassuring, empowering fact that we are all God’s children, and that God loves and values us with unqualified affection, and with complete love.

I was asked to share a brief devotion and prayer before the meal. What I said, essentially and to the best of my recollection, was this:

“My name is Derek, and we’re here from Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. It is our privilege to serve you this afternoon.

“In church this morning we talked about the two disciples who were walking along the Road to Emmaus a couple of days after Jesus was crucified. A man joined them on the road, but they didn’t recognize that is was Jesus. Later, when they sat down to share a meal together, they realized who it was who had joined them.

“Whatever is going on in our lives, we often fail to recognize the fact that Jesus wants to walk with us.

“So I want to encourage everyone to keep their eyes open, and to have a welcoming heart. Don’t eat alone, share what you have, and cultivate an open heart. You never know when – in the breaking of the bread – you’re going to realize that it’s Jesus who is your guest.

Today is a good day to be grateful, and to be generous – DEREK