Open Eyes and Burning Hearts

We hear the Emmaus story again today, familiar enough, but always the key to new insight.  Jesus opened their eyes not only to recognize him in the "stranger" who joined them as they walked, but opened their eyes to see and comprehend the hidden messages in the Scriptures and in the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  They were blinded by the the reversal of their expectations, perhaps by their disappointment bordering on depression. Certainly, these had been stressful days as well.  No wonder they did not see and found their only recourse in retreating home.  It took time with Jesus who opened their eyes in the "breaking of the bread".  In looking back at what had just happened, they realized how much their hearts had been burning when he was with them.
So too with us:  we are blinded by our busyness, our worries and disappointments, and often in the failure of colleagues and friends to meet our expectations.  We cannot see that Jesus is there with all of us in all circumstances.  We need him to help us to see; we need him to set our hearts ablaze with his loving presence. Taking time each day with the Scriptures, or in plain silence with him, allows him to open our eyes to see what we have been missing.  Especially in "the Breaking of the Bread", the Holy Mass, we have the opportunity to hear the Word broken open for us and to experience the presence of Jesus in our hearts at Holy Communion. May we commit ourselves to taking advantage of these easy means to open eyes and burning hearts.
Bro. Rene