One Sunday, I felt the heaviness of life, which must have shown on my face because I thought most people were keeping their distance from me. I usually smile at everyone and try to acknowledge the new and old faces around us, but not this day because even as I tried, I could not muster the love I needed to share a smile with my brothers and sisters. Disquiet was heavy on my heart.

Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled?” (Luke 24:38)

Eucharistic communion usually brings me out of desolation because it emboldens my hope for better, and most times, it helps settle my heart and mind. Yet this day, back in my seat, I could only lower my head onto my hands, still feeling a heavy weight and a racing heart… I remember pleading, “Please, show me it will be okay.”

And it was at that moment that I felt a hand on my shoulder, and as I looked up, I saw the face of a parishioner. We locked eyes briefly, and he meaningfully said, “Peace be with you,” and then moved on. My heart settled immediately.

…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.” (Luke 24:35-36)

Let us all continue to grow ever grateful for the Eucharist. In that moment of true togetherness, I could experience Christ’s love for me through the caring hand of my brother. In the hidden reality, that hand on my shoulder was the hand of Christ…His love for us is real, concrete, and personal. May his peace be with us indeed.

Let us pray:

Lord, you are the Lord of love, the Lord of community. Help us come together as one Church that we may indeed be your body, present in the world. Amen.