Can you recall a time when the world around you seemed dark with despair, confusion, desolation? A time when someone you love died and you could not make sense of the sorrow that found you? A time when you could not make sense of what occurred and felt alone in this void?

This is how I imagine Cleopas and his companion were feeling as they were walking along the road, away from Jerusalem and towards Emmaus. Then, someone arrives and begins walking alongside of them, asking them about their sorrow, listening to their despair and confusion, accompanying them in this painful journey.

As they were approaching Emmaus, Cleopas and his companion return the generosity of companionship this “stranger” had offered to them in their time of desolation by inviting him to stay with them and share a meal.

When they gathered around the table, they were astonished to find that this “stranger” was Jesus. The person who accompanied them in their deep sorrow, who walked alongside of them in this difficult time, is the person who brought them hope in the midst of despair.

In the midst of desolation, do we welcome those who accompany us? Do we allow them to walk with us in this difficult time? Do we allow Jesus to be our companion in and through sorrow? In return, do we feel called to accompany those around us who are experiencing despair and confusion? How can we listen to their stories and walk with them in their pain?