Breaking Bread with Us
The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio.
Yesterday we reflected on the Risen Christ’s patience and compassion at his encounter with the terrified disciples in Luke 24: 35-48. He not only showed them his hands and his feet but encouraged them to touch him to confirm that he was flesh and bones and not a ghost.
The two disciples that encountered him on the Road to Emmaus related that they recognized him, at table, in the breaking of bread. The Gospel narrative goes on to say, that to further convince the disbelieving disciples Jesus asks them ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ - They gave him a piece of broiled fish and he proceeds to eat it in their presence.
These acts demonstrate to us that he recognizes our human slowness to believe, and the need for us to have a personal encounter with him. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus meeting people where they are, understanding their doubts, fears, and struggles, and offering them precisely what they need to believe. He understands our need for evidence, for reassurance, for a personal experience.
Jesus is coming into our lives in a real presence, willing to break bread with us. He is showing us his wounds, inviting us to see he has flesh and bones and asking ‘have you anything here to eat’. He does this in the persons we meet when we are walking down the street, the persons that we meet each day.
He is found in the faces of those in need, the voices of those crying out for justice, and the hands of those reaching out in love. In these moments, Jesus invites us to recognize his presence in the ordinary, reminding us that every encounter is an opportunity to experience the Risen Christ in our midst.
As we open our eyes and hearts to those around us, may we see beyond the surface and encounter the living presence of the Risen Christ in our family members, neighbors, the strangers we pass by, and the friends we hold dear.
Jesus is patiently revealing himself in ways that speak directly to us, if we take the time to pray, slow down, quieten our minds and see the persons in our lives with our hearts.
NOTICE
Take a moment to visit my website at the link below and see the resources that are available to help you deepen your relationship with the Risen Christ.