On the road

Today’s Gospel (Luke 24:13-35) presents us with the wonderful narrative of what happened on the road to Emmaus on the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Obviously, what happened on the road to Emmaus symbolizes in many ways what happens to us in our spiritual journeys in this world.

We walk together through life.

We speak with each other, trying to make sense of what we have heard and seen as well as sharing our hopes and disappointments.

Even when we do not recognize him, Christ comes to us on our journey – sometimes quite unexpectedly. He enlightens us with his grace and warms our very souls with his presence.

And then, we recognize him in the breaking of the bread. The Eucharistic reality of this is overwhelming.

While he was with them at table,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, and gave it to them.

***

Then the two recounted
what had taken place on the way
and how he was made known to them
in the breaking of the bread.

I don’t know about you, but I am painfully aware of the fact that I am not perfect: that I am still on the road (with a long, long way to go).

As we continue on this road, with whatever time we have left, may we recognize the presence of Christ and open ourselves more and more to his grace: feeling his love, accepting his teaching, and taking the bread that he breaks for us.

Have mercy, Lord Jesus

Stay with us,
for it is nearly evening
and the day is almost over.