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While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:13-35, RSV) "While They Were Talking and Discussing Together . . ." Two are on a journey together. They share the news, their grief, the things on their hearts. Jesus joins them on the way. This mentoring program is about these journeys of the spirit. Its purpose is to bring two people together to grow in their spiritual lives and thereby encounter Jesus, who has promised to be present "wherever two or three gather in my name. . ." This book will help you begin a mentoring relationship with another who, like you, is seeking spiritual growth. Your congregation will provide support and resources for this relationship and others like it as you share and receive spiritual wisdom and insight and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church. This manual will help you answer the following questions: Although there are ideas and resources in this manual, the program's strength is you
and your partner, your ideas, your insights, your wisdom, your time, your relationship,
your prayers. It is important to make a beginning. Jesus will join you on the road and
lead you.
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