An Open Heart
“And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.”
Lk. 24:30-31
First published April 2021.
Is your heart open? What are some things that keep your heart closed off? The Apostles Peter and John encountered a man crippled from birth at the gate of the temple area. When he begged and asked for help, Peter told him that he had neither silver nor gold but that what he did have, he would give to him — his great friendship with Jesus Christ, and at that the man was able to walk. Knowing Christ and friendship with Jesus is worth much more than any amount of money. Do you agree with that?
When two disciples of Jesus were on the way to Emmaus they encountered a man who seemingly did not know what had happened in Jerusalem these past couple of days. They explained to him what had taken place, and that man, who really was Jesus (but they did not know), began to teach them about Scriptures and pointed out all that points to Jesus and what had happened to Him. They invited the man to stay with them. Jesus agreed. They sat at table and broke bread together. This man “took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them,” and at that the disciples’ eyes were opened and they recognized that man to be their teacher, Jesus. What kept these two disciples from seeing Jesus?
Maybe it was doubt that Jesus would rise? Skepticism? Lack of faith? We do not know. But what we do know is what prevents our own eyes and hearts from recognizing Jesus. Do I see Jesus in the Eucharist? Do I see Jesus in my neighbors, friends, colleagues, family members, enemies, and strangers? If I do not, that problem is not them, it’s me. What prevents my eyes from seeing and recognizing Christ? What are the obstacles that keep my heart from faith? What is keeping my heart closed to Jesus, who unceasingly knocks at the door of my heart?
See “Seeing With Burning Hearts” for another reflection I offered on the encounter between Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
