Wednesday 23^rd April – Easter Wednesday

Reflection: Luke 24: 13-35

WHAT PREVENTS YOU FROM RECOGNIZING HIM?

Today’s Gospel reading presents us with an account of two disciples of our Lord Jesus who failed to recognize Him on meeting Him on their way to Emmaus. The Bible records that something prevented them from recognizing Him. How many times have you and I met our Lord Jesus without recognizing Him and how many more times do we risk meeting Him without recognizing Him?

Jesus is not far off in “Heaven” as we often presume Him to be! Every day we live presents us with a new opportunity of meeting Jesus in our fellow brothers and sisters especially those of them in need. Christ himself has told us that part of our judgment will border on how well we have recognized Him or otherwise in the hungry, sick, naked and needy strangers around us (Matthew 25: 31-46). It is not just about our money, it is about all we are privileged to have and should share.

Beloved, what prevents you from recognizing Jesus in the needy around you? Is it selfishness, pride or prejudice? Not even our personal insufficiency can be good enough a reason for there is a room for charity even in our individual needs. Let us be constantly reminded of this eternal truth that our God is all sufficient and lacks nothing. Each time we recognize Him in the needs of others, we are simply availing ourselves of the opportunity to be blessed by Him in multiple folds (Proverbs 19:17).

PRAYER: Oh Lord, please grant me a compassionate heart that recognizes you in the needs of my neighbor. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 449 – What significance do the poor have for Christians?

Love for the poor must be in every age the distinguishing mark of Christians. The poor deserve not just a few alms; they have a claim to justice. For Christians there is a special obligation to share their goods. Our example in love for the poor is Christ.

HIDE A TREASURE: “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” Matthew 25:40 RSV-CE

Readings for today: Acts 3: 1-10; Psalm 105: 1-9; Luke 24: 13-35