From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. (Luke 24:35-48)

COME TO RECOGNIZE HIM: When Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection, they would not immediately recognize Him. We are told that “they came to know him in the breaking of bread.” I am asked sometimes why I go to Mass so often and that is the very reason.

Jesus is present in my life at all times, but going to Mass and experiencing Him in the Eucharist helps me to know Him.

We all have acquaintances – people from work, neighbors, members of our parish, etc. But if we ever have the opportunity to share a meal with them, break bread if you will, we build a relationship. We come to know them.

The same is true with our relationship with Jesus. The more opportunities we have to break bread with Him, to share in the Eucharist, the better we come to know Him.

It will bring to us the same thing it brought to the first Christians – recognition of Christ and the peace that comes along with it.