By Laurie Schmitt
“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus,
about seven miles from Jerusalem.” ~ Luke 24:13
It seems like Jesus is sneaking up behind his disciples and catching them by surprise as they walk to Emmaus, but he’s not traveling incognito. It’s just that they’re so preoccupied and self-absorbed, disappointed and confused by the recent turn of events, that they don’t recognize him. Jesus butts into their conversation, saying, “So, what are you two talking about? What’s bothering you so much?”
“Don’t you know?” they ask. Of course, Jesus knows, but he wants to hear it from them.
Seeing but Not Knowing
They look him in the eyes but still don’t see him. “We thought things would turn out differently,” they say, “We put all of our hope in Him… but it’s been three days now.”
As they walk, Jesus talks of the Scriptures, linking the old prophecies with the recent events. Their hearts burn, their minds begin to clear, and their souls rise within them as he speaks, but they still aren’t aware that he is who he is, that he is Jesus, who they are looking and longing for. They beg Him to stay, and He continues, helping them to piece together the Old Testament prophecies, but the New Covenant reality is not fully realized until the breaking of the bread. It hit like a lightning flash. Their eyes are open.
Sometimes our journey replicates this scene. We are so worried and confused that we forget that Jesus is ever present, readily accessible, wanting to walk with us, and eager for a heart-to-heart. Revival times and survival tools are simultaneous requirements for keeping the faith.
By meditating on Sacred Scripture and walking with like-minded Christians, we meet Christ. Where do we see him? In living sacramentally, especially in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the mass. In the breaking of the bread.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist! Open my eyes and heart, and help me to see You in the breaking of the bread.
Call to Action
This week, while at mass, especially after receiving the Eucharist, pray the Anima Christi or a simple prayer of thanksgiving, and pray for all who take His gift for granted. Rejoice! Christ gave himself for us, and remains with us in the Blessed Sacrament!
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Funny you should mention the Anima Christi. That is the prayer I learned this Lent and pray after receiving Communion.
This is a wonderful prayer — I especially like the poetic version by St. John Henry Newman 🙂
Laurie – (I spell my daughter’s nickname Laurie as well). Her given name is Laurice. Anyway, your nine children are so blessed to have you knowing and teaching them so much about our beautiful Catholic faith. The Anima Christi is what I’d like on the back of Holy Cards when the time comes for a funeral for me. I LOVE that prayer and want to expose it to Protestants who aren’t familiar with it. Hopefully, not soon, Lord, but when you call me, I hope to be ready! +JMJ+