Today's Gospel reading is one we saw just a few days ago from Luke 24. It's the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
As the story goes, Jesus met up with these two disciples, but they did not recognize Him. Now, we don't know why they didn't recognize Him, aside from the fact that Jesus chose not to make Himself recognizable to them. But it is a bit baffling, given they had followed Jesus for some time before His death.
I want to reflect on this idea of recognizing Jesus. I think we should see Jesus in many different ways. Of course, in the Eucharist, which is how He became recognizable to them. But what about other ways? Do we see Jesus in the face of the poor? The disabled? How about the person of another color or nationality? The illegal immigrant? My point is simply this: Can our own prejudices and hurts keep us from seeing Jesus in others?
Father, help us to recognize Jesus in the many ways He makes Himself present to us, especially those we find most difficult. Amen.
Oh, Gus, your comments are right on target for our country today. A favoite gospel lesson and a lesson for many who just don’t get it here in America.