Recognizing Jesus even in pandemic

Easter Wednesday

Luke 24:13-35

How do we recognize the presence of Jesus in our daily lives, especially in the time of pandemic?

When people whom we loved deeply have gone before us, we tend to recognize their presence through symbols and dreams.  We remember memories of them in our lives.  

The only difference with memories and with the Resurrection is that the actions and the Lord Jesus are not mere memories nor association with symbols.  Rather, they are actualities:  Peter cured a crippled and the disciples recognized the risen Lord in the breaking of the bread.  It is possible to recognize the Risen Lord even in this time of pandemic.  We just have to intensify our sense of faith and it would be easy for us to recognize him: in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

First, in the Word that burns in our hearts.  The Liturgy of the Word opens us to God talking to us directly through the Scriptures together with the reflections of the presider.  We are hit to the core of our being as the Word transforms us, converts us to love deeply, and follow the Lord nearly.

Second, in the offering of bread and wine.  The Liturgy of the Eucharist opens us to the presence of Jesus in his body and blood during the consecration and communion.  We believe they are not just symbols but actualities, "This is my body... this is my blood … Do this in memory of me."

Third, through us.  As Jesus' action is manifested in Peter curing the crippled, so too our actions give an account of the presence of Jesus as we take part in the healing, consoling, forgiving, filling, and loving of our brothers and sisters.  

Let our words and actions bring hope and consolation to people.  For every miracle of healing and shielding from sickness and death, let us praise God always.

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