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Last year on this Wednesday of the Easter Octave I suggested that the disciples on the road to Emmaus were young, perhaps teenagers, skate-boarders even.

I began this Easter week at Easter Sunday Mass with a community of women Religious then joined them for the midday Easter meal.

It was a privilege to sit at table with three sisters all well into their 90’s (94, 96 & 98).

Our conversation was lively, reflective and entertaining with both quick banter and profound insights.

Now I’m considering the real possibility that the disciples on the Emmaus road were not young but much older, stepping slowly towards their home with many rest-breaks. Then (the much younger Jesus) caught up with them, greeting them, slowed to walk with them, alongside them, at their pace not his.

So yes, I’m savouring my Easter Sunday conversation with Pat, Anne and Peg inspired by their almost 220 years (between them) of generous commitment and faithful witness as Sisters of Mercy in the Christchurch Diocese.

And as I mentioned yesterday I have been overwhelmed with responses to my invitation to you to send the initials of those for whom we are praying in this Easter Octave. You’ll notice I’ve had to reduce the font size to fit the list of almost 2000 people on one page. You can enlarge by clicking on the image, and don’t hesitate to send more initials for our prayer. john@fff.org.nz

Today I will celebrate Mass for all those whose initials appear on the list. And often during each day the image comes to mind and I pray knowing that the height and breadth of the Communion of Saints, on earth and in eternity,

So this week you might be strolling or perhaps running to Emmaus. Maybe you’re on a skateboard, or a walking frame. Perhaps you and your travelling companion are being wheeled in chairs, or sitting together at a cafe table or on a bar stool.

And whatever your mode of transport the agenda is simple.

Jesus enters their (and our) conversation when they (we) talk about life and death matters, the stuff of our lives, and chat about Jesus of Nazareth, God-with-us, and all the things that happen on the road of life.