Summer is a time when the fortunate can get a little time to “vacate” (to get away). As you do consider this as an “Image for the Kingdom.” The road to Emmaus shows us two disciples who encounter Jesus while on journey and, as the walk they talk with the Risen Lord who gives them insight into Scripture and the true meaning of all the events they have recently experienced (his crucifixion and death). Eventually they enter a house for a meal and come to recognize him in the breaking of the bread.
There is an image of the Kingdom at work here: The image is “Walking, Talking and Dining.” It’s also not a bad plan for vacation: lots of walking, talking and dining. Encounter the Kingdom on your vacation! Lot’s of walking, talking and dining (don’t forget to rest)! And remember that, as you do these things, the Lord walks, talks and dines with you and helps unfold the meaning of your life and puts things in perspective. If you can get away, enjoy a foretaste of the Kingdom.
In the video below you will see a visual representation of Worldwide Airline Traffic in a 24 hour period. Each plane is represented by a small dot of yellow light.
As you view the video consider some of the following:
Every dot is a plane that carries hundreds of people.
Each individual has a story.
Some are joyful and flying out to attend a wedding or family event.
Some are sad and flying to funerals.
Each dot is a plane filled with people who have both gifts and struggles.
Their lives intersect with hundreds of other people.
Some are influential and well known.
Others live more hidden lives but are very precious to others.
There are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, children, spouses, young and old.
Some of the people on those planes represented by those dots will die soon.
Others are just beginning their lives.
All of the people on these planes have lives that are swept up into the great mystery of God’s unfolding plan.
None of them are accidents, or surprises to God.
Each have the dignity of being an intentional creation of God.
Each is known to God more then they know themselves.
God knows everything about every person on every plane represented by every tiny dot.
He knows their past, their present and their future.
He sustains every fiber of their being.
Before they were ever formed in their mother’s womb God knew them, loved them, intended them.
Every one of their days was written in God’s book before any of those days came to pass.
Each dot a plane. On each dot a gathering of people. Each person with a history and a destiny unfolding, known to God, loved by God, sustained by God.
Behold the mystery:
O God, Who did cause the children of Israel to traverse the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who did point out by a star to the Magi the road that led them to Thee; grant us we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and propitious weather; so that, under the guidance of Thy holy angels we may safely reach that journey’s end, and later the haven of eternal salvation.
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their travels. Thou Who art everywhere present, shower everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy; so that, insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Christ our Lord.
