Pedestrians in Kindness

Two men walking home along a road outside of Jerusalem. The events of the few days prior loomed in their minds and burdened their hearts. Then, out of nowhere, a lone pilgrim joined them in there travels. They greeted him cordially and all three of them walked together.

It didn't take long for the new traveler to realize these two other men were solemn and burdened. He inquired of their demeanor.

"Have you not heard?" they replied. "Of events that have passed in these recent days?" And they proceeded to tell him how a man, whom everyone had thought would be their Saving Grace, had been put to death at the hands of the local authorities.

The man listened to their tale and when they had finished he told them his take on things. Only it wasn't exactly his take. He simply reminded them of all the stories from days gone by. Stories of an innocent man who was willing to die for all those whom he would call brethren. A man who would come from God and dwell among men. His stories went on for hours.

It was about that time the two men had reached their destination and the lone traveler prepared to continue on his way. But they insisted that he stay the night, for it had grown late. He entered their home and when the three of them sat down to share a meal, the guest took bread gave thanks, and broke the bread. It was at this very moment that he vanished before their very eyes. They realized their traveling companion was their Saving Grace. And their hearts burned within them.

A friend once asked me, "If you knew you had been walking with your Saving Grace all along, don't you think you would have walked a little slower?"