Discovering Jesus
Brothers and Sisters,
We continue to encounter Jesus through his post-resurrection appearances and this week we encounter him with the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. One of the most beautiful Gospel accounts, the Emmaus story calls us to really examine our relationship with Jesus. We need to ask ourselves: “do we know Jesus?” This question reminds me of a very famous Lebanese saying: “Do you know him…he said yes! But have you had a relationship with him…he said no!” Therefore if one has not had a relationship with the other, then how can they truly know them? This is the same with Jesus.
In this week’s Gospel, Saint Luke allows us to discover Jesus with the two disciples. They did not know who he was to begin with, yet, the more they got to know him, the more they wanted him to stay with them. In spite of their confusion and fear, Jesus’ presence brought them peace and security. The real Epiphany however did not take place until the end when they discovered him in the Eucharist. When we spend time with Jesus, this also brings us peace and security. Many times in our lives we lose hope and feel helpless because of the crosses that we carry. However time with Jesus brings into our lives the light of his Resurrection which dispels the sorrow, pain and guilt and removes the darkness. We have the opportunity to discover Jesus every day through our daily Masses and through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Thursday night at 8.00pm.
Now that the peak of the Season of the Resurrection has gone, I have had a little time to resume my spiritual reading on Mercy and the Saints. This week I’ve discovered Saint John Bosco or Don Bosco as he is commonly known. Don Bosco was a pioneer in establishing education structures that were based on preventive systems in Italy. He had the gift of combining the severity of reprimand and discipline with the sweetness of a smile. Here again the two notions of justice and mercy go hand in hand exemplifying the just and merciful God. Don Bosco lived and died by an oath that he made to his students: “I promised God that until my last breath I will have lived for my poor young people. I study for you. I work for you. I am also ready to give my life for you. Take note that whatever I am; I have been so entirely for you, day and night, morning and evening, at every moment.” Doesn’t this remind us of Jesus and the two disciples on the trip to Emmaus? It is as if Jesus is speaking to us through this oath as he does through all the Saints. Let us all make some time in our busy lives to discover Jesus! It is only then will we discover the peace and security that we are yearning for.
