Hearts ablaze with divine LIFE

Two despondent men journey one afternoon from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, about 7 miles distant.  Unexpectedly, another man joins them, whom they do not recognize and regard as a stranger. 

The two men are forlorn disciples of Jesus.  They tell the stranger about Jesus of Nazareth, a great prophet who was condemned and crucified three days before.  They add that they visited the tomb on rumors that he might be alive, but found it empty.  They are convinced that they will not see him again. 

After rebuking their meager faith, the stranger lovingly elucidates all the Scriptural prophecies about the Messiah and his spiritual triumph over materiality and death.  He reveals to them how Jesus fulfilled all those prophecies. 

They now see Jesus' career in a new light and are able to accept the promise of the resurrection made possible by the events of the past three days. 

Sometime later, while dining, they recognize that the stranger who has just broken bread and offered a blessing is Jesus Christ, the risen Savior!

At this moment Jesus disappears.  But they are left with a vivid perception of interminable SPIRIT-LIFE.  Turning to each other they say, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures" (Luke 24: 13-32)?

Yes, their hearts were now ablaze with immortal LIFE.  Their consciousness was ignited by the realization that life was much more than a material body.  It was comprised of spiritual transcendence.  The promise of the resurrection had been fulfilled! 

Life could no longer be regarded the same old way--a cycle of material birth, growth, maturity, decay and death.  More than before they could now see that we are the empyrean oeuvre of perennial LIFE-PRINCIPLE.  Just as this divine and imperial LIFE-PROVENANCE is exempt from beginning and end, then so is its celestial expression – non-material man and universe. 

They experienced the divine propulsion that comes from knowing that man's life is indestructible and eternally in LIFE's tender and sheltered embrace.

By appearing to the rest of the disciples, Jesus also invigorated them with the understanding that man's life is the outcome of SPIRIT/TRUTH.  This deepened their love for divine LIFE and man and re-routed their lives.  Armed with the Holy Ghost--the realization that existence is LIFE’s harmonious and unstoppable force--they spread the inspiring news (gospel) and lifted others from sin, sickness, and death. 

The New Testament explains, "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all"  (Acts 4:33).

The writings by Mary Baker Eddy (a 19^th century theologian and metaphysical healer) have elucidated the spiritual message of the Bible for many people, and, consequently, have transformed their lives.  Studying them has been like a walk to Emmaus, for it has opened their eyes to LOVE's imperial allness and man as His spiritual and deathless expression.  Their view of existence has been de-materialized and this has resulted in moral regeneration and physical healing.

Speaking of Jesus' resurrection, M. B. Eddy writes, "...he presented the proof that Life, Truth, and Love heal the sick and the sinning, and triumph over death through Mind, not matter.  This was the highest proof he could have offered of divine Love"  (S&H 54:14-17).

In a sense, we too are resurrected (awakened) to a new life of divinely empowered consecration and achievement.  We realize that man's true being is in SPIRIT-MIND, and not imprisoned in matter.  This realization brings to bear upon human experience the redeeming power of Christly understanding.

Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, our hearts begin to burn with a deeper love for GOOD/GOD and man.  And we are propelled by a clearer realization of our unbounded, spiritual possibilities.    

It is LIFE-SOUL's animus that impels us to value and associate with illimitable, divine goodness (GOD) more.  In turn, our spiritual affections are renewed and strengthened, and society's conventional attitudes no longer hinder us from accomplishing the seemingly impossible. 

Fear of social stigma, peer pressure, and limiting beliefs are disarmed by the luminosity and energy of a Christ-filled consciousness.  Now infused by Christ’s might, we go on to exceed material restrictions. 

We exude newfound courage and determination because we know that infinite TRUTH is sustaining and carrying us forward.  And in the process we are delighted to find that “miracles” are natural outcomes of a heart/consciousness aligned with supreme SPIRIT/LIFE. 

A life fired by the spirit of Christ cannot avoid radiating healing grace and power.  It propagates LOVE’s love.  This ignites the hearts of others.  And because it is more than the letter of Christianity, but its spirit that is being multiplied, the outstanding results will remind us of those experienced by the early Christians after Jesus' ascension.