The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him
in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24: 35)
During the Easter season may we all find ourselves “on the Way,” expectantly awaiting and attentive to the presence of the Risen Lord who makes our hearts burn with renewed faith.
Christ is truly present when we gather to celebrate his Body and Blood in the Eucharist. However, as Vatican II reminds us, he is also present in the Scriptures, which he continues to break open for our spiritual nourishment and growth.
Furthermore, the council urges us to watch for and find Jesus in the midst of our daily encounters with our sisters and brothers, for as he himself reminds us, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst.” Jesus is present in us and with us!
The Eucharist itself, as evidenced in the Last Supper account in St. John’s Gospel, commands us to wash each other’s feet as part and parcel and completion of our Eucharistic encounters. “As I have done for you, so must you do for one another.”
Finally, at the conclusion of today’s Gospel passage Jesus commissions us with a great responsibility in our daily lives: “You are witnesses of these things.” Indeed, we are witnesses for the Risen Lord, not only in professing faith in his death and resurrection but also in carrying out our given mission to serve our brothers and sisters. For when we serve others as Jesus did, we truly profess faith in his death and resurrection until he comes again and hope that he will truly come again. “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Rev. Joseph Charron, C.PP.S.
Kansas City Province
Bishop Emeritus of Des Moines, Iowa