J.M.J.
After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to His
disciples at various times and in various ways. One of the most poignant
manifestations of His risen glory is the revelation to the two disciples making
their way to Emmaus.
Christ approached these travelers and began to walk
with them. Mysteriously restrained from recognizing Jesus, the two were
incredulous that this “stranger” was unaware of the newsmaking events of the
past several days. Then, Jesus “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the
things concerning Himself.” (Saint Luke 24:27)
Amazed by the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus, the
disciples uttered a cry of the heart that still reverberates in the souls of
believers everywhere: “Stay with us” (Saint Luke 24:29). Three short words sum
up the servants’ appeal to their Master.
Easter Sunday comes and goes. The greatest event in
human history is often relegated to a happy memory. The Resurrection may
sometimes be considered, albeit unintentionally, as a joyful occasion without
much practicality. After all, paying the bills or caring for a loved one who is
terminally ill is typical of the overwhelming concerns facing many, even devout
Christians.
All the more reason to imitate the stirring entreaty
of the Emmaus-bound disciples: “Stay with us.”
Only Christ—the Christ of the cross and the empty
tomb—can make sense of the trials that confront a person. “Stay with us” gives
God “permission” to remain in our lives through the invisible but, nevertheless,
real principle of grace.
A common concern expressed among those who arrange
retreats and spiritual endeavors for youth is the need for “follow-up.” A high
school boy or girl attends a weekend retreat and experiences an emotional
spiritual renewal. Then, this newfound vigor is crushed at the first sign of
temptation or turmoil. How may one enjoy a profound relationship with the Lord in
the midst of a hostile and unconvinced world?
Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.
(1893-1953), in his remarkable classic, Divine
Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior
Life for Every Day of the Year (Tournai: Desclée Company, 1964), wrote that
the soul that enjoys the state of grace need not worry whether God is present
to help with difficulties. “Hidden in the obscurity of faith, God draws near
our soul, makes Himself our traveling companion, and still more, lives in us by
grace.” (“141. Stay With Us,” page 423) True, one may feel, because he does not
understand the workings of the Lord, that God has abandoned him. But, “God is
there, God remains with us; it is for us to remain with Him.” (ibid.)
When Christ vanished before the eyes of the two
disciples after the breaking of the Bread, Cleophas and his unnamed companion
could have melted into lethargy. Their Master had left; they were seemingly by
themselves. But instead of becoming passive, they quickly journeyed to tell the
Eleven what had transpired. Although Jesus had temporarily departed, His
presence remained.
The Resurrection, a far cry from a one-day event, is a
life-changer. The happiness to be found in the Risen Lord remains with us
because of His abiding presence. Despite life’s difficulties and pain, the joy
of the Resurrection is always there for one who believes.
Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. When we
pray, “Stay with us” (Saint Luke 24:29), we have the assurance that He has
heard us. For just as the stone was rolled away from His tomb, so will our own
burdens become manageable and even the road that leads us to Life.
No comments:
Post a Comment