Weekend Reflections for 5/2/14

We did not recognize him

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. (Luke 24:13ff.)

I have sometimes (often?) felt that the disciples on the road to Emmaus must have been real dolts! After all, the very one they were seeking is right beside them and they never seem to have noticed. How dumb could they be?

We are told that their eyes were prevented from recognizing Jesus, but this was not due to some external or physical restraint, but from internal ones.

They had their expectations, but I do not think they expected to see Jesus, since things had not gone as they expected the previous few days.

They were downcast; their eyes were looking down because they were disappointed and let down. How could they expect to see Jesus?

They were turned in on themselves — focusing perhaps on their hurt, their fears, their disillusionment.

Unwittingly they kept themselves from seeing the very one they were looking for.

Before I become too harsh on them, I need to realize that these disciples are also us. Where and how do I expect to meet Jesus? Do I expect to meet him in others? Do I expect to meet him  in bread and wine? Am I someone who lacks hope and is ruled by disappointments or frustration when things do not go my way? Am I often so turned in on myself that I am walled off from the people and the world around me?

Where is Jesus? He is here now; he is with us! Can we look beyond ourselves? Can we let Jesus surprise us? Can we meet him in one another, in family and friends, in the poor and neglected?

I pray that we may be open enough and free enough to recognize Jesus today.