And they forced him, saying: Stay with us, because it is already late, and the day has already declined. And came to stay with them.
And it happened that, being with them at the table, taking the bread, he blessed it and broke it and gave it to him.
They opened, then the eyes, and they met him, and he disappeared.
And they said to each other: Did not our heart burn in us when, on the way, he spoke to us and when he opened the Scriptures for us? Gospel of Luke 24: 29-30-31-32.
This passage narrates an extraordinary event: after his resurrection, Jesus met with two of his disciples who moved away from Israel with great sadness. They commented on his death as an irremediable loss. They had forgotten or did not believe in everything he had said: about his death and resurrection.
Before continuing, let them say: many, even today, consider Jesus a "poor man". They adore Him on the cross, they cry, they lament, etc. With this attitude they are far from receiving from their hands the benefits that through their sacrifice have been won for us.
These men, according to what we have just read, were blind. If we observe some of the verses written about this event, we will better understand what was happening in their hearts. They commented:
"And it happened that, when they were talking to each other and asking questions of each other, Jesus himself came and went with them, but their eyes were closed, so that they would not know him." Verses 15-16.
Friends, it is lack of gratitude, when we have a great friend. He does everything to help us and even give his life in our place, to finally be inconsiderate.
Sadness prevented the disciples from seeing Jesus. They needed God to reveal themselves to their hearts.
Did you ever get the impression that God was far away from you and did not hear or see your afflictions?
Listen well: regardless of the combat you are facing, make sure of one thing: you are not alone. God is with you.
From the day he accepted the sacrifice of Jesus in his place, as his only and sufficient Savior, he becomes a preciousness in his hands. Only He and no one else can pay his "sinner debt".
Many others before us, in difficult moments, questioned: "Where is God"? It was the case of these men on the first morning of Easter, (three days after his crucifixion).
The fact that Jesus was arrested, flagellated and crucified, had left many questions that sought to understand. They had believed that He was the Messiah, but their dreams now, were lost. Some told them that the Tumulus was empty, but, doubtful, they did not know what else to think.
Beloved, it is exactly what is happening today with the Human being. The "I believe only if it comes", as was the case of Thomas, has diverted the hearts of the vision of God. But let's not forget the words of Jesus:
"Jesus said to him:" Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed: Blessed are those who have not seen and believed. "
This response that was given to Thomas by the Lord Jesus, speaks to us today: Because He lives, we can trust.
Jesus approached them, walked by his side, but in his sadness they did not recognize him. When Jesus questioned them about his concern, he quoted some Old Testament texts that explained what was coming and why it had to happen.
That same night Jesus ate with them at the table and his eyes opened and they recognized him, but then (as our present day tells us), he disappeared from the view.
Beloved, let us place ourselves in the place of these men. The man they thought was God, (who was), came from being crucified dead. Three days later someone told them that He had risen, but they were still hesitant to believe. And suddenly, a stranger, (Jesus), walked by his side. They ate with him and they recognized him and without further explanation, he disappeared from his eyes.
The sadness, the doubt, was all that dominated them. They really needed to have an encounter with God.
Dear reader, maybe, who knows, God is not speaking to your heart this morning. He considers himself a religious, but he has not yet tried to discover: Who is the true Jesus?
Maybe he is walking on the "road", He walks with you, he is with you at the table, but he has not yet recognized or invited him.
This was what was happening with these men!
I have no idea where you are going: Difficulties, an illness, loss of employment. A bad relationship! This problem can be of such order that, even Jesus walking by his side, does not account for that.
But dear♡♡♡♡ friend and lady, I want you to know: you are never alone. A step of faith will make all the difference.
That is why Jesus, in his mercy, still makes this invitation:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go into his house and have dinner with him, and he with me." To the one who overcomes, I will give him to settle with me on my throne, as well as I overdid and sat down with my Father on his throne, and those who have ears hear what the Spirit says to the Church. " Revelation 3: 20-21-22.
Open the door of your heart and accept.
