They Recognized Him in the Breaking of the Bread
Dear Parishioners,
Today we hear another perspective from the two disciples who left Jerusalem tired and discouraged following the events surrounding the death of Jesus. They began their journey discussing and debating all that had happened in recent days, most especially the rumors that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Then a stranger came along and joined them, immediately noticing how sad they were.
They were surprised that the stranger seemed unaware of the events in Jerusalem. So, they explained everything to him: “All those things that had to do with Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet mighty in word and deed in the eyes of God and all the people; how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death…”
Their words reveal their sadness, disappointment, and loss of hope. Yet they also show how deeply they loved Jesus. They were not among the Twelve, nor were they present at the Passover meal, but they were loyal followers who believed in him.
Thinking of these two disciples reminds me of all those who trust in God, only to find that events unfold differently than they had hoped. I think, too, of those who have looked to the Church and her leaders but have experienced disappointment. I include myself here, there have been times when I have disappointed those who trusted me, especially when I failed to meet the expectations of my parish community. I know the pain of disappointing others, and even myself.
Yet the mysterious stranger reveals himself to the weary disciples, but not before offering them sound teaching. He gently corrects them for their lack of understanding and for not fully believing in the Scriptures and in the words and works of Jesus. God has never abandoned his people. Rather, we often forget God’s endless goodness and mercy. How quickly we lose sight of his blessings.
Jesus comes into our lives so that we may no longer be separated from God. The stranger takes time to explain the meaning of suffering and redemption, helping them see what God is doing and how it is all directed toward the salvation of humanity.
As evening approaches, the disciples, whose hearts are now burning within them, invite the stranger to stay. Then something extraordinary happens. The stranger takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. “With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.” In the breaking of the bread, they recognized the risen Lord.
We are blessed to have Jesus present in our tabernacles and in every Mass. Do we recognize him? It is a great privilege to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. He comes to us not as a stranger, but as our Savior. We can never fully thank the Lord for making himself so available to us. The food of angels, the medicine of immortality, is now ours. In his death, life is given to us. To God be the highest glory.
Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
