We find ourselves very much in the spirit of Easter. In the Gospel, we read about another post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. This time, it is to the two disciples who are confused and discouraged about the death of Jesus and have left Jerusalem. They meet Jesus on the way but do not recognize him. Jesus explains why their Lord had to suffer, die, and rise. He stays with them, says a prayer at their dinner, and breaks the bread. They recognize him in the breaking of the bread, and they hurry back to Jerusalem with enthusiasm and joy. They have renewed faith in Jesus, who they know has risen from the dead.

In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, we no longer see frightened or confused disciples. They are confident that what the Lord had done was in their hands. They tell the lame man in the name of Jesus to get up and walk, and he does, praising God.

Sometimes, we all feel alone, doubtful, fearful, and discouraged. We wonder whether God is holding us up. We are told that Mother Teresa felt that way for many years, yet, in her sense of being abandoned by God, she continued day after day in caring for those in whom she saw Jesus. Why? Indeed, she recognized Jesus each day in the breaking of the bread, and that gave her strength and courage.

The same is true for us. Gathering with our brothers and sisters, we hear God’s word and sense our oneness with the community and with Jesus as we receive the bread that is broken. Like the disciples on the road, we too can feel a renewed faith in being sent to the lame and to all in need to tell them in the name of Christ to rise and walk.

Let Us Pray:

Risen Lord, you remain with us in the Breaking of the Bread. Give a deep sense of your Presence in the Eucharist and in the poor, the refugee, the lonely, those who are discouraged and have lost hope. In your name, may we lift them up. Amen.