Today's Gospel Reading Luke 24:13-25Today we hear an account of a marvelous gospel event. At the same time we have already heard or will hear reminders that almost every Post Office will be closing at 8 PM -- at least here in Washington, DC. Why? Because we face the annual reminder that very little in life is free. It is the premier day of giving back to the IRS!
Yet, there is every day of the year another experience of giving not from us but to us. A wonderful friend of mine often says, "Everyday is Christmas!" The gospel today is a reminder that everyday is an opportunity for us not necessarily set aside for making payment on an obligation to our government but to receive a freely given gift from the God who created us, who has given us the world we live in. We are reminded of this daily gift in the Lucan account of the two frustrated , frighted and fleeing two disciples on the Emmaeus Highway.
Yet, there is every day of the year another experience of giving not from us but to us. A wonderful friend of mine often says, "Everyday is Christmas!" The gospel today is a reminder that everyday is an opportunity for us not necessarily set aside for making payment on an obligation to our government but to receive a freely given gift from the God who created us, who has given us the world we live in. We are reminded of this daily gift in the Lucan account of the two frustrated , frighted and fleeing two disciples on the Emmaeus Highway.
This gospel story along with the other post-Resurrection accounts of the "appearances of Jesus"is an opportunity to recognize what we can experience every day: how Jesus Christ meets us somewhere along our daily faith journey.
Perhaps we just do not recognize the various obstacles that challenge our days as or even the good events of every twenty-four hours as special gifts from God. Like the Emmaeus disciples we may indeed have events which, if we take the time to listen to and reflect on, can be the Holy Spirit leading us on to a better relationship with our God. Like the travelers, we have to take time for some prayer so that God can open up our eyes and hearts to hear him. Likewise for us there is the extraordinary gift of the Eucharist. Each day Jesus Christ is opened up to us in the earthly experience of the heavenly banquet. This is my body; this is my blood -- my gift to you in the breaking of the bread.
Perhaps we just do not recognize the various obstacles that challenge our days as or even the good events of every twenty-four hours as special gifts from God. Like the Emmaeus disciples we may indeed have events which, if we take the time to listen to and reflect on, can be the Holy Spirit leading us on to a better relationship with our God. Like the travelers, we have to take time for some prayer so that God can open up our eyes and hearts to hear him. Likewise for us there is the extraordinary gift of the Eucharist. Each day Jesus Christ is opened up to us in the earthly experience of the heavenly banquet. This is my body; this is my blood -- my gift to you in the breaking of the bread.
