Gospel Meditation

04-30-2017Weekly Reflection

"Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him." The disciples on the road to Emmaus had already heard reports about Jesus' resurrection. It was at the forefront of their minds, but in spite of this, they did not recognize Jesus when he stood right before them.

Why not? Perhaps because they weren't looking for him. Maybe they didn't really believe that he was alive. Or it could be that his appearance was not the same as it had been before. Whatever the case, it's very interesting to learn that it was actually while celebrating the Eucharist that these men finally realized who was right there with them! "He was made known to them in the breaking of bread."

Living as we do some two thousand years later, it is easy to imagine that recognizing Jesus was a snap for those who walked the earth when he did. We can run the risk of feeling sorry for ourselves that we don't get to see Jesus in person they way THEY did. But look here! It was through the Eucharist that Christ was made known to them, and we too have that gift right in front of us. We celebrate every week the same "breaking of bread" at the altar during Mass. Jesus is present with us, body, blood, soul, and divinity, even if we don't recognize him! He is there, present in our midst.

If our eyes of faith are feeble, we can pray that the Lord will help us to know his presence in the Eucharist. Just as he came to comfort and accompany his first disciples, he wants to do the same for us through the Most Blessed Sacrament. We only need to be sure that we are always on the lookout to find him in our midst.

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