“While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.” (Lk 24: 41-43 ).

While meals can certainly be a way of obtaining calories and physical necessity, meals can also be a powerful social, even spiritual experiences.  With family and good friends around a table, time can also stand still.  It is the place where bonds are formed, relationships are nourished and a good moments that could bring joy and comfort to each other.  Meals all seasoned with the spirit of love and garnished with the spring of hope,  Wherever there is food, we find God.  Jesus breaks the bread after walking the Emmaus road and shares a piece of baked fish with His confused disciples.  Just before Jesus died, it was a meal shared with His disciples; after Jesus resurrected, it was the meal that the disciples recognize Him.  Jesus shares energy for the body and for the soul.  Our hungry heart will only be satisfied if we will recognize the presence of the risen Christ.  Experiencing resurrected life begins with recognizing the risen Chrsit among us.

The problem with us today is we, like the disciples are full of doubt and confusion to receive the gift of Easter and we dare not to accept that we are the witnesses of unconditional love and mercy of God.  Our Lord desires and longs to open our minds and hearts to understand the Scriptures and renew our spiritual faith in Him.  We come with our doubts, fears and confusion however Jesus Christ will come to our hearts.  Allow the risen Lord to heal our wounds and make us whole.  In our hopelessness, lack of gratitude, fear and confusion the wound of Jesus gives us hope.  In our moments of challenge, need and despair, we are invited to recognize Jesus walking with us and offering love, peace and joy of His presence.

We bear witness to Jesus Christ as His peace reigns in our hearts.  The wonderful gift is not just Christ is truly risen however; the risen Christ allows nothing to stand in His way in inviting and welcoming us to believe.  When we gather together at the Eucharistic Table – as we eat the bread and drink the wine, our hope as Christians is that the life we share together at the One Table is a way that makes stand still giving us the joy and amazement as we receive the body and blood of Christ through the Eucharist and be one with our Lord Jesus Christ.

The fulfillment of the law and of the prophets through Jesus Christ give us the courage and enlightenment to recognize and encounter our Lord Jesus Christ.  We pray together with this gospel  “Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us; let your face shine on us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us. Amen!”

Source: Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter April 15, 2018 issue.