This coming Sunday the Gospel story is about the encounter the disciples have with the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24.13-35). Roads are important in Luke-Acts: in parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son; in Jesus' own journey to Jerusalem; and in Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.The early church community were called the followers of the Way and we too are on a discipleship journey: we are on the way. It's not the destination but the encounters, events, and learning on the journey that are the point. Let's let go of the anxiety that comes with trying to arrive, which is meaningless to a journey with no earthly destination. Instead, let's enjoy practising the way of Jesus while we are on the way together!
To that end I'd like to offer you a little craft to do this week that creates some space to reflect on being 'on the way'. There are two versions: one suitable for younger children and one more all-age. But don't let those loose categories stop you doing whichever one you feel you or your children would enjoy the most.
Craft for younger children (or people who like paint)
You will need:
paper or card (at least A4 sized) plus extra for disciples
1-3 potatoes
paint (not water colours) on a plate
colouring pencils or felt tips or crayons
scissors
a chopstick or ice cream stick
Instructions:
Cut potato(es) in half: you're going to use them a stencils to make the road. Dip in the paint and make a road that goes from the bottom left to the top right of the A4 page. Don't worry about having grey paint. Who says roads have to be grey? Go rainbow if you like - but start with light colours or have lots of potatoes...
Note: if you google 'potato stamps' you'll get lots of complicated designs using cookie cutters to make shapes. We are just using the potato half. It will help to cut the potato with a big knife as you're more likely to get a smooth side. Although little depressions just make the road more realistic so don't worry about any imperfections!
Decorate the sides of the road with boulders, trees, flowers - whatever you like. Finger paint or use the pencils / felt tips / crayons.
Now you have 2 options:
Option 1: use your fingers to walk along the road telling the story from a children's Bible or in your own words and spend some time on the 'wondering' questions below.
Option 2: cut a slit down the middle of the road; cut out a group of 3 figures and draw on their faces and clothes; stick this to the ice cream stick or chopstick and slip it into the slit you've cut. Now these figures can walk along the road as you tell the story. Feel free to use the ones below or design your own.
As you're telling the story, you can ask 'wondering' questions:
I wonder what journeys you've been on... I wonder who you have learned from... I wonder how these disciples were feeling... I wonder how we learn from Jesus... I wonder what you have learned from Jesus...
There is no end to the questions you can ask! Trust yourself and the Holy Spirit as you have these conversations with your children (or ponder these questions in your heart). One thing these two disciples learned on the road is that there's always more to learn!
All-age version
Read the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus slowly and prayerfully (or if you'd like to do this version with little ones, tell it yourself or use a children's Bible: the point is to have the story fresh in your mind).
Now reflect on the story, using the wondering questions above if you like, while you do a finger labyrinth (two below, an easier and a more complex one: feel free to print them out). A labyrinth is not a maze: there is only one path in and out. As you arrive at the centre, rest in God's presence. Thank him for his holy word which guides us on the way. Thank God that he goes before us in all places. Thank Jesus that he walks alongside us at all times. Thank the Holy Spirit for inspiration, understanding, and encouragement. Pray as you feel led. Trace your finger out again, asking God to help you take the gifts of the still centre out into the world for his glory.
When the disciples arrived at Emmaus they shared a meal with Jesus. When you're done crafting, labyrinthing, and wondering fix yourself a yummy snack! I wonder how Jesus being at the table with you would change the meal...
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay