Wednesday, April 15
Easter Octave
Daily Meditation
“Did not our hearts burn while he opened to us the Scriptures”
Why was it difficult for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord? Jesus’ death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. They saw the cross as defeat and could not comprehend the empty tomb until the Lord Jesus appeared to them and gave them understanding.
What transformation can happen in our lives if we come to know that Jesus is with us in the breaking of bread –
whenever we share some of who we are with others,
wherever there is suffering and brokenness.
This is a great joy to desire and ask for.
Reflection
This Octave of Easter should be a time of continued celebration. Yet, during this coronavirus pandemic, we have come to a grinding stop. Thousands upon thousands have fallen ill and many among those have died. We have been shut out of our churches during this holiest time of the Christian year. At this moment in our history, we are more like the disciples in Luke 24:17: “They stopped, looking downcast” – and with good reason.
Yet the resurrection gives us the grace to discern and the courage to respond. We need to ask ourselves how we can help those who are “crippled” by this pandemic, locked into their homes. How are we called to extend ourselves to our families, neighbors and even the strangers in our midst?
Through careful discernment we will find answers to these questions and have “our hearts burn” with a desire to do more. Whether in our homes or our virtual spaces, Christ will be revealed to us this Easter season in the breaking of the bread.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus,
Open the eyes of my heart to recognize your presence with me and to understand the truth of your saving word. Nourish me with your life-giving word and with the bread of life. Show me how to share with wealth with other people.”
Reference: https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/041520.html
