The Road to Emmaus is one of the most descriptive and beloved Gospel passages regarding our faith journey with Jesus. Like those two disciples, we walk that road in faith everyday drawing closer to Jesus through prayer and through listening to him speak to our hearts. Our hearts continue to burn within us as we hear the voice of Jesus calling us to be strong, to be safe and be faithful. In this time of crisis, though we are apart, Jesus is right beside us and helping us to discover his power and his presence in new ways.
As we look forward to the days when we can celebrate Jesus together in the breaking of bread in the Eucharist, we see him now in every family dinner shared in love. We hear Jesus in every moment of silent prayer. We see Jesus in those brave ones serving in medical and other professions to keep us safe and to fulfill our daily needs. We recognize Jesus in the stories of our children and our elders. As the old song so beautifully explains, “He has the whole world in his hands. He has you and me in His hands.” Still we miss so much being together to embrace each other in the great celebration of Sunday and daily Eucharist.
When this is all over, it is my hope, that like the disciples on that road to Emmaus, we will run to see each other. We will run to embrace Jesus in the gift of Eucharist. We will leave the solitude of our confinement to tell the whole world what actually sets our hearts on fire. Jesus is our center, our way, our truth and our life. We are on fire for Him and with Him today and always.