Sunday morning at church we reflected on Luke 24: 35-48.  The two disciples Jesus met on the road to Emmaus had returned to Jerusalem and were telling the others what had happened to them and how they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.  Then "Jesus himself stood among them".  The passage ends with Jesus saying "and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.."  There are times when my religious upbringing speaks so loudly that I find myself cringing at the idea of preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins!  Yet as I sat in this whole passage I noticed that first Jesus was present to them, he ate with them, and they were able to touch him after he showed them his hands and feet.  He addressed their fears, he encouraged them and enlightened them about who he is.  He was so very present with them, so intentional in sharing himself with them.  Their doubting fear changed to joy and amazement!  I again see that Jesus is my example of how I could even begin to proclaim that there is a "total life-change through the forgiveness of sins" (The Message).  Jesus shows me to be present, to share meals, to love, and to touch and be touched by a fearful world.  People's lives are changed because they are in the presence of Jesus, the Risen One!
Carol