Sunday, April 6, 2008

Christ is Always Present

In today's Gospel we hear the story about two men who are walking with the Risen Christ to Emmaus. The two men are frustrated and confused because they heard of the tomb being empty. When Jesus comes to them and walks on the road with these two, the men suddenly gain more and more hope and begin to believe. Although the two men do not recognize Jesus, the risen Christ, they invite him to stay with them for the night. At table Jesus breaks the bread and this lifts the veil from the eyes of the two men who realize it is the Christ. It is in this breaking of the bread, an event that we take part in so many ways in our daily lives that Christ is made present to us. In sharing of a meal, a conversation, or a past time we bring out the risen Christ in others and our Lord is made present in us. Christianity is centered upon the fact that we as a community of believers make up the body of Christ in this world. It is up to us to make sure that not only our family and friends experience the joy of the Lord each day, but that all people may know that they are children of God and members of the family of faith. By the power of the Spirit, Christ is poured out to us in the celebration of the Eucharist at Mass. By taking part in and taking in the body and blood of our Lord and Savior we are filled with his presence, grace, and love. May we remember that although we have fallen short of the glory of God because of our human weakness and slavery to sin, Christ has broken the chains of this slavery and given us new life. May we as Christians always allow Christ to be present in us and see the Lord in others.