The well-loved story of Jesus meeting the disciples on the road to Emmaus captures in one vignette the heart of Christian worship. One comes to encounter Jesus in hearing the stories of God and in the breaking of the bread. What is missing from contemporary worship are the “burning hearts” of Cleopas and companion (Mrs. Cleopas?) We have gotten inured to the passionate depths of faith. Taking the faith for granted does not help people to understand that their “downcast” feelings — which are just as present on Wabash Avenue they were on Emmaus Road — are healed by the presence of Jesus. The growing sociological category of the “nones” — those with no connection to religion — challenges us to bring passion back into our worship.
