Peace and grace to you all!
This weekend we hear the story “on the road to Emmaus.” I love this story because it is so human and I think it always has something to teach us no matter how many times we hear it! That’s one of the great things about the Word, it truly is ALIVE! One key theme that rises to the surface for us is remembering. I often hear people say that the most important things we can do in life is cherish our memories. I know that memories are especially important to us and the people we love. Family traditions are repeated each year and the memories of past deeds and events at gatherings are recalled bringing laughter and joy. Today’s Gospel has something similar to a family gathering but far more powerful because it establishes the concrete, central underpinnings of our faith!
At first the disciples don’t recognize Jesus while they speak and listen to him. As they move along together we get a sense that a companionship is forming. When the stranger appeared to be going on, they extended hospitality and invited him to stay. The pinnacle moment occurs during the breaking of the bread when the disciples recognize Jesus. And in a flash, he mysteriously vanishes! They connect feeling the flame alive in their hearts at Jesus’ words and the moment of recognition. Then they realize a truth that we still hold on to today. Jesus is alive and present with us! The reason they didn’t recognize Jesus on the way was because they didn’t remember him the way he wanted to be remembered. Jesus wanted them to remember his great love for them in the “New and Everlasting Covenant” of the Eucharist. I just love this story because it brings us all home to why we come to celebrate the Eucharist. We don’t come together to remember his suffering and death alone, he doesn’t want us to be overwhelmed by that. We come together most of all to remember the love that he still pours out into our hearts! It is love and mercy that brings us to Jesus and more deeply to each other.
How do you want people to remember you? Jesus invites us all to be drawn into one memory with him, by sharing ourselves in goodness and love! May God enrich other lives through you! +++ Fr. Peter