Wednesday within the Octave of Easter
Signs of resurrection are all around us. The death of winter has given way to the new life of spring. Trees are flowering, bulbs bloom, and bird eggs are beginning to crack to reveal their babies. These signs along with the ever brightening sun are sufficient to make our souls smile. This new life bursting forth is yet one way the universe experiences the process of resurrection.
Indeed, resurrection is written into the very fabric of creation including that of humanity. That said, an awareness of resurrection seems less universal. It certainly was not clear to the disciples on their way to Emmaus. They had even been told that he was alive and still these two disciples were returning home. Even when the risen Lord came to walk with them, they did recognize their friend. The scripture says their eyes were prevented from recognizing him, yet what does this mean? Did it mean that God willed that they not recognize Christ until the breaking of the Bread? Or like us frequently, did they fail to sense God’s presence in their midst?
How is it that a person of faith could be unaware of Christ’s presence? Perhaps, faith and the accompanying rituals can become so routine to the point where spirituality seems predictable or taken for granted. Today’s gospel is a reminder that no matter what we are feeling, even profound sadness, Christ is walking with us. Yet Jesus does more than walk with us. He calls us through the scriptures and through the sacraments to have hearts that constantly seek him, that are constantly aware of his presence.
Acknowledging the Lord’s presence is only part of discipleship. When our hearts rejoice in the Lord, we are praying. This prayer is the only the beginning of recognizing the Lord. Proclaiming the goodness of the Lord, draws others into the experience of resurrection, this is called evangelization. When we have become aware of Christ to point of praising the Lord, our hearts have been converted and then we need to share our experience. Thus as the disciples recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread, they are compelled to go and share this resurrection experience with their community.
The first reading echoes that the experience of resurrection was meant to be shared far beyond the walls of the upper room. Here Peter and John model a discipleship transformed by the power of Resurrection. They model, how we too, are called to witness to the resurrection of Jesus. The story happens at 3:00 o’clock, the hour of mercy, and Peter raises up the man who now can walk in the name of Christ. We too have been called to rise up and glorify the Lord with our lives. Reflect on the images of resurrection that are present in your own life and consider the opportunities for sharing these images with others.
"Lord, you constantly walk with us on our journey. Help us to be aware of your presence in all that we encounter, so that our lives reflect hearts that are burning within us. Then may our songs of rejoicing and our spirit of service, make your resurrection known among all the nations. Amen! Alleluia!"
- Michael Montgomery