Daily Reflection – 4/16/2020
Sacred Scripture
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. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.( Luke 24:35-48)
Reflection
Today we see the full conclusion of the Emmaus story. The disciples had been quite distraught and didn’t seem to know what to think about Jesus’ death. They had hoped He was the Messiah but then He was killed. And then there were some who claimed His tomb was empty. What should they make of all this?
As the two disciples recount what had just happened to them on their journey, and in the breaking of the bread, the same risen Jesus stands in their midst and imparts His “Peace” to them.
When Jesus “interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures”, they realized that this man with whom they were speaking had incredible wisdom and understanding, so they invited Him to stay with them.
Jesus goes to great lengths to assure his disciples that he is no mere ghost or illusion. He shows them the marks of his crucifixion and he explains how the scriptures foretold his death and rising.
Like the disciples, there are times in our life when we doubt that Jesus is really here, in our presence, But the centrality of our faith is that He is here. Right now.
We are constantly in His presence and we do not realize it. This is especially true in countless other ways throughout our day. We need to commit ourselves to seeing Him, to recognizing Him and to adoring Him. As Christians, we are complete when we discover the resurrected presence of Jesus all around us.
Too often we think that He is present only in extraordinary ways. But that is not true! He is here with us right now, loving us, speaking to us, and calling us to love Him. Do you see Him? Do you recognize His presence?
Reflect, today, upon the experience of these disciples. If you were them, you’d be blessed to be in the presence of the Savior of the world. What an honor! The truth is that God is with you now and always. He is constantly with you and is constantly speaking with you. Look for Him and listen to His voice. You may be surprised at how near He really is.
Prayer of The Day
Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You are always with me. Help me to see You and to recognize Your gentle and still voice. Give me the eyes of faith to see You present in the Most Holy Eucharist, and help me to discern Your presence in every ordinary event of my day. I love You, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.
Daily Note
When the disciples saw the risen Lord, they disbelieved for joy! How can death lead to life, the cross to victory? Jesus shows us the way and gives us the power to overcome sin, despair, and death. Just as the first disciples were commissioned to bring the good news of salvation to all the nations, so, we, too, are called to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who live on the face of the earth. Do you witness to the joy of the gospel to those around you?
