The Emmaus Travellers

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).

After a long process in nature – right there on the tree – of rubbing and chafing against each other, these two branches now fit together almost seamlessly. When, after a fierce autumn storm, I found one damaged branch on the ground, I knew there was another branch that I had to find too. It took a little searching. In the end it turned out to be closer than expected. Then I started working on it to make a composite sculpture.

When we look at the shape, it takes little effort to recognise two people in this sculpture. And perhaps you see more striking things. What moves me in this sculpture is the simplicity it breathes, which also gives it a great sense of calm. This makes me think of the story of two people on their way to the village of Emmaus. They came from Jerusalem, where Jesus had risen from the dead. They wondered whether such a thing was possible. Suddenly someone walks along with them and joins the conversation. He gives answers that matter. When they arrive at the place where they are going, the stranger is invited to eat with them. There they realise that it is Jesus who is speaking with them. (Luke 24:13-35) You see two, but there are in fact three.

Another aspect that struck me while working on it is about relationships. In our relationships with each other we should not be afraid of getting to know one another better. Experience teaches that all kinds of things can ‘prick or chafe’, so that we would rather walk away than ask each other questions, shake hands or embrace. Wisdom, patience, faithfulness, acceptance, creativity and sometimes help are needed to learn to enjoy one another. When someone is cast out or someone walks away, there is only emptiness left. Perhaps there is someone with whom you have not had real contact for far too long. Do something about it…