...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.
I heard once of a professional comedienne who, before taking up her profession had waited tables in a modest urban cafe. The retired president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, came in and took a seat. She took his order and served his meal without recognizing him. Everyone else in the room and kitchen were awestruck by his presence and her routine manner. It was only later that they pointed out Who That Was. OMG!
She eventually went into comedy but she was deeply embarrassed; years would pass before she could speak of that incident.
Fortunately, Cleopas and his buddy were not so flustered. They returned to Jerusalem and the Upper Room despite the late hour and reported that they'd seen the Lord.
The story is lighthearted and important, though it's real purpose is catechetical. It invites us to reflect on the many ways we know the Lord, and on our failure to see him wherever he might appear. He might be that fellow in the other car you've passed on the interstate, or the lady waiting for the light to change. He might be the polite stranger who takes your order in a deli, or joins in your conversation.
He is certainly there in the headlines and amid the rumors although we might not see where he's going. Sometimes we must wait for the brain fog to clear before we see the obvious. And when he appears we know what to do.
The story of two disciples en route to Emmaus points certainly to the Eucharist:
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
Moses and all the prophets and psalms point us infallibly to the Body and Blood of the Lord. We cannot read the passion narratives of Palm Sunday and Good Friday without hearing of the Lord's Last Supper and his insistent command, "Take.... Drink.... Do this..."
As the Catholic Churches reopens and relaxes following the COVID epidemic the Bishops of the United States urge us to rediscover our faith in the Eucharist. The doctrine is more than an opinion of some; it is not a controversy which tolerates opposition; it is God's Word to us.
When even common sense issues of male and female, life and death, are called into question, we return to the roots of our faith and our sacramental foundations. We insistently remind our children, family, friends, and neighbors that we have never missed Mass since the day on which he appeared on that Sunday evening in Jerusalem. Those individuals who have missed repented and returned, but the Church has never failed to gather and worship on Sunday.
"If you're one of us, you come with us. If not, you go your own way -- and good luck to you."
God is patient. As he walked with Cleopas and his friend, he'll walk to the ends of the earth to bring us back.
But he does not offer a smorgasbord of choices. There are not many sides to this story; nor even two. There is only God's Word, "This is my body. This is my blood. Do this in memory of me."
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.