Luke records the following event on the first Easter:

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, Luke 24, 13-15

Easter is a celebration of life. We celebrate the life of one who triumphed over death. The risen lord meets us on our journey and travels with us even when the way becomes difficult. In the fall of 2004 as I contemplated our annual journey to Florida, I thought of the journey that Jesus made to Calvary and I wrote this poem.

I Travel On

A weary pilgrim in a dry and thirsty land,
I travel from oasis to oasis.
A hot sun beats incessantly on my dusty path.
Yet, as I look to the distant hill,
My hope is rekindled and my faith is renewed.

When I think of the one who traveled this path before me,
I remember that he too was thirsty,
But they offered him only vinegar on a sponge.
For him the hill at the end of the road meant certain death.
Yet, he chose to validate the journey that led to the terrible moment.

He was faithful to his destiny even though it cost him his life.
I too must remain true to my destiny whatever that might mean.
So I cling to the vestige of hope that hangs before me on the distant hill.
I am a pilgrim on a journey that is long and often seems endless.
Perhaps the meaning to life is the journey itself.

The Master prepared the way.
He walked before me and blazed a trail for me to follow.
Now he walks beside me with a hand on my shoulder.
The strength of his touch rekindles my hope and renews my faith.
And so, I travel on!

Copyright © Jay D Weaver - March 11, 2005

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