Shocked From Recognition
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series IV, Cycle A
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (vv. 13--16)
The movie October Sky is based on the true story of the life of Homer Hickam. The story begins with Homer as a high school student in 1957 who wants out of his small West Virginia town. The life of the entire community revolves around the local coal mine. His father works at the coal mine as do most of his friends' fathers. He fears that if he doesn't leave town after graduation he, too, will have no option other than to be a coal miner.
One evening, Homer looks up into the dark sky and witnesses an incredible sight - the Soviet satellite Sputnik streaked through the vast expanse of space. He develops an insatiable desire to learn more about rockets. Suddenly, he sees a way out of the coal mines. If he could get a scholarship, he could go to college and study rockets. With the encouragement of his high school science teacher, he begins to study the work of Dr. Wernher von Braun - a German--born American rocket engineer. Dr. von Braun becomes his inspiration and idol. He even writes a letter to Dr. von Braun. The scientist sends Homer an autographed picture, which becomes a cherished possession.
With enthusiasm, Homer recruits three friends to work with him in designing and building a model rocket. The boys test several metals for constructing the rocket as well as various methods of propulsion. After many failed attempts, they finally develop a functional rocket. They enter the model rocket in the county science fair.
To the elation and surprise of the boys, they win first place at the science fair. Part of the spoils of winning is a trip to the national competition in Indianapolis. However, there is one catch. Because of limited funds, only one of the boys will be allowed to go to the national science fair. The other boys choose Homer to attend since it was his initial dream and vision that gave birth to their rocket.
At the national competition, Homer wins first place. He is astonished as he hears his name called. In a stunned stupor, he walks to the podium to accept the award. He his still in a stupor as he walks back to his seat. He is dazed and confused as college recruiters are offering him scholarships. Homer barely notices their presence.
Then Homer is congratulated by a very distinguished--looking man but doesn't really seem to be aware of the conversation. Another man asks about the conversation Homer had with the distinguished--looking gentleman. Homer awakens from his shock, but has no idea who the man was or what he said. The biggest shock of all was that Homer hadn't even realized that the man who had congratulated him was none other than Dr. Wernher von Braun - the rocket engineer who had been his inspiration. Young Homer was in such shock, he hadn't recognized his idol when he spoke to him.
Could it be that the disciples on the road to Emmaus were in such shock that they didn't recognize their own leader?
The movie October Sky is based on the true story of the life of Homer Hickam. The story begins with Homer as a high school student in 1957 who wants out of his small West Virginia town. The life of the entire community revolves around the local coal mine. His father works at the coal mine as do most of his friends' fathers. He fears that if he doesn't leave town after graduation he, too, will have no option other than to be a coal miner.
One evening, Homer looks up into the dark sky and witnesses an incredible sight - the Soviet satellite Sputnik streaked through the vast expanse of space. He develops an insatiable desire to learn more about rockets. Suddenly, he sees a way out of the coal mines. If he could get a scholarship, he could go to college and study rockets. With the encouragement of his high school science teacher, he begins to study the work of Dr. Wernher von Braun - a German--born American rocket engineer. Dr. von Braun becomes his inspiration and idol. He even writes a letter to Dr. von Braun. The scientist sends Homer an autographed picture, which becomes a cherished possession.
With enthusiasm, Homer recruits three friends to work with him in designing and building a model rocket. The boys test several metals for constructing the rocket as well as various methods of propulsion. After many failed attempts, they finally develop a functional rocket. They enter the model rocket in the county science fair.
To the elation and surprise of the boys, they win first place at the science fair. Part of the spoils of winning is a trip to the national competition in Indianapolis. However, there is one catch. Because of limited funds, only one of the boys will be allowed to go to the national science fair. The other boys choose Homer to attend since it was his initial dream and vision that gave birth to their rocket.
At the national competition, Homer wins first place. He is astonished as he hears his name called. In a stunned stupor, he walks to the podium to accept the award. He his still in a stupor as he walks back to his seat. He is dazed and confused as college recruiters are offering him scholarships. Homer barely notices their presence.
Then Homer is congratulated by a very distinguished--looking man but doesn't really seem to be aware of the conversation. Another man asks about the conversation Homer had with the distinguished--looking gentleman. Homer awakens from his shock, but has no idea who the man was or what he said. The biggest shock of all was that Homer hadn't even realized that the man who had congratulated him was none other than Dr. Wernher von Braun - the rocket engineer who had been his inspiration. Young Homer was in such shock, he hadn't recognized his idol when he spoke to him.
Could it be that the disciples on the road to Emmaus were in such shock that they didn't recognize their own leader?
