Journeys

To journey with Jesus means being his companion on the road. The root of the word companion is “com panis” which means “with bread.” It means eating at his table and experiencing his banquet. It means being fed and nourished by him. It also means sharing our food with others. This is meant to be an inclusive banquet. It is an ever-widening table of fellowship.

There are two passages from the gospels that give substance to this notion of a follower’s  inclusive companionship with Jesus.  The first is found in John 6:35 “I am the bread that gives life. If you come to My table and eat, you will never go hungry. Believe in Me, and you will never go thirsty.” And the second where Jesus declares, “….people will come from the east and the west, and from the north and the south, and take their seats in the kingdom of God. There are some at the back now who will be in the front then, and there are some in front now who will then be far behind.” (Luke 13:29)

Knowing, following  and having a good relationship with Jesus is at the heart of our faith. This is more than information, which is knowing about Jesus and what he taught and did. Some people felt they were privileged and had the inside track as Jesus was one of them but Jesus was indicating something more than that. His way was open to all people of good will. Lord help us know you better, to more in tune with your message, so that we may live as your friends and companions.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we are walking in his steps.

A former bomb disposal officer, now a preacher shared, “When I was being taught how to clear a minefield our instructor told us to step precisely in the footprint left by the person in front of us. The concept was simple: since the person in front of us stepped on a spot that didn’t set off a landmine, the only spot guaranteed to be safe was the ground under that footprint. Stepping anywhere else meant risking death.

The person at the front of the patrol is called the “point man.” His job is to make sure he clears any mines or booby traps before moving forward. Everyone else’s job is to walk where he walks and step where he steps.

When we say we’re following Jesus, living as Jesus lived and doing what Jesus did, we are letting Jesus be the point man in our lives.”

We are also invited to his table to eat. 

Jesus, you shower me here with an abundance of promises. You are the bread of life for us: you will meet all our deepest needs. What needs? We hunger and thirst for happiness and joy; we want to be welcomed by the Father; we want to live eternally. And all we have to do is to give ourselves over to you for our needs to be satisfied. You are faithful to your promises, because promises are the language of love. Thank you! Amen