Well, we didn’t quite make it to Emaaus, but we experienced a nice walk on our way to our venue for the Year 8 Retreat.
The road to Emmaus is a story about two disciples leaving Jerusalem after the death of Jesus. They were two shattered people after seeing their mentor, friend and teacher tortured and put to death. They would also have been a bit worried about what might happen to them. On their journey to Emmaus they meet a stranger and they explained to him the events of the last few days. Then, this stranger explained to them, the scriptures and how the events of the last few days were meant to happen.
When they got to Emmaus they sat down to share a meal, and it was in the breaking of the bread that they came to realise that their companion was the risen Jesus. They recognised him in the breaking of the bread.
It was while on the road to Emmaus that their lives were transformed. Their eyes were opened to scripture and their hearts rejoiced in the encounter with the risen Jesus.
Due to the number of students in Year 8, we held two retreats. Our walk to each venue provided an opportunity for students to have their lives transformed. The story of the two disciples was unpacked during HUMS lessons and it was brought to a closure before we left. While on the 'road' students were given an opportunity to discuss the significance of their encounters with their God, and with each other. When you walk with someone, you talk. It was an opportunity to enter into the lives of others, to get to know them better and to get to understand others better.
Enrico Caprioli
APRIM
