During the past few weeks I have been asked often by family, friends and concerned parishioners, “How are you doing being alone so much in this time of isolation?” My response is always the same, that as time goes on there grows a deeper awareness that I am not alone: I have a renewed sense of the presence of the Risen Lord in my daily life and value His friendship.
In my years of priesthood, I had never celebrated the Mass alone, so it was with great hesitation that I celebrated for the first time. To my utter surprise I found it to be one of the most intimate experiences with God that I have ever had.
Perhaps my thirty day retreat a few years ago was a providential preparation for isolation and the opportunity for deeper reflection and prayer.
This past week with the pandemic and horrific Nova Scotia attack has been an even more of a challenge for most of us to take this time and seek out God’s benevolent providence.
In the darkest moments of life, when we feel completely alone, like everyone has forgotten about us, the risen Jesus shows up at our side like a pilgrim on the way to Emmaus. He will not let discouragement get the best of us. With him our night will become illuminated, strengthened and even joyful. We even can invite Him to stay with us to share His Bread and hear His Word with a renewed faith and even hope.
Today’s gospel is a gift to all of us in this mysterious and at times frightening time.
What prevented the two disciples from seeing Jesus? Perhaps their lack of faith. They had too much attachment to their own human criteria of who he was supposed to be. Jesus corrects them with great patience.
Just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we have undertaken a journey in this time of global crisis and national mourning, a time of uncertainty, confusion, discouragement and darkness. The way of faith does not depend on whether we feel the presence of Jesus. Rather, it is about an interior transformation that lets us open our eyes. We do not necessarily see something new, but we see all the same things and even challenges with new eyes……eyes of faith.
The disciples of Emmaus said, “Stay with us Lord, and Jesus entered into their house. While at table, “He took the bread, said the blessing and gave it them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”
During this challenging time many of us are blinded by uncertainties and fear, just like Cleopas and his companion. Meanwhile today and every day the Risen Lord has lovingly walked by our side. We have only to say, “Stay with us Lord, for it is nearly evening!”
Is it not true that we need him more than ever?
Invite Him not only into your house but much more importantly, into our hearts. Indeed, He has heard our prayer and stays with us forever, especially in the amazing gift of the Eucharist.
That why we proclaim with a renewed spirit,
“Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen, Alleluia.”
(Fr. Patrick Dobec, April 25, 2020)