Easter Wednesday

 

“Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

Today’s Gospel presents one of Our Lord’s resurrection appearances on Easter Sunday. Having lost all hope, because Jesus, in whom they had placed their trust, had been crucified and was now dead, the two disciples were making their way toward Emmaus.

With eyes downcast, the met a traveler along the road began to walk with them. Not recognizing the traveler, as Jesus, they began to discuss with Him what had happened in Jerusalem. With great sadness and discouragement, they speak of Jesus in the past. They said “We had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel.” & (He) was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and the people.” The reality of His death caused them to say, “He was”.

After Our Lord interpreted for them the Scriptures, which referred to Himself, and how it was necessary, that the Christ would suffer, and enter into His glory. Jesus then acted as though He was going a different direction, but the two disciples, said to Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

Our Lord had no plans to leave them. He wanted them to ask Him to stay, with them.

And “While He was at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to them.” It was at the breaking of the bread, within the context of Mass at “the Eucharist” when their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.

During times of tragedy and suffering, do we not, do the same? Aren’t’ our eyes downcast, and we are saddened as we feel like the one, whom we trusted is no longer with us? But in reality, Jesus is beside us, encouraging us, and giving us hope. When we feel abandoned by God, it is then that Jesus is nearest to us. He is always at our side, and desires to fill our heart with the fire of His love. Even though we feel as though He is not with us, we should do as the two disciples, and say to Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

When we come to Mass, do not our hearts burn within us, as the Scriptures are opened for us? At the breaking of the bread, at the consecration, do we not also realize, He is with us in the Eucharist, and has not left us, as orphans?

In the Eucharist, our eyes are opened to His love for us. In the Eucharist, He takes away our discouragement, and gives us hope. In the Eucharist, He gives us courage to face life’s difficulties. And when we receive Holy Communion, we will cry out with His Mother Mary, Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord, for He remembers His new and everlasting covenant, given to us the Last Supper, and here today at the Mass.