Luke 24:35
"The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread."
The first line of Luke's gospel says, "Jesus was known to them in the breaking of the bread." For Catholics this is our encounter of Jesus each time we come to the Eucharistic table. Jesus has appeared at each and every Mass celebrated around the world since his resurrection, and continues to today. Unfortunately for some, they only see a piece of bread and a chalice. They don't recognize Jesus there. They come to Mass each week out of obligation and routine, but do not understand or cannot grasp the encounter with the Savior at this sacred time. It's a time that, for some, has become taken for granted. Let me encourage you today to pray, asking that the small embers in your heart take flame with the fire of the Holy Spirit. I ask that the Holy Spirit move you to encounter Jesus not only in the Eucharist, but in the people you come in contact with every day: The coworker, the poor, the sick, the marginalized. You, in turn, be Jesus for them. Jesus Christ is in you and in them, just as he is in the breaking of the bread. May your eyes and your heart be opened to encounter the real presence of Jesus the Lord this Sunday and every day.
