Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:13-35)
"It is only in one's heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye." It is my favorite line from the book, The Little Prince by Antoine De St. Exupery. The two disciples haven't recognized Jesus when he went with them on the way. It was only when Jesus explained to them everything written in the Scriptures that they feel their hearts burning and when Jesus consecrated the bread that they recognized him. In the same way, in our lives, Jesus is always with us as he had promised (Matthew 28:19) but we just fail to recognize his presence. It is when we see the world in the perspective of the Risen Christ that we feel, recognize and witness his presence.
What do I mean when we see the world in the perspective of Christ? I will give examples. The apostles of Jesus were unlearned unlike the scribes and Pharisees. Most of them were fishermen and others were ordinary folks. Gospels says that they were wondering and asking among themselves what Jesus is telling them. They have doubts and fears. But after the resurrection of Christ, they became brave proclaimers of the Gospel. They speak with wisdom that the learned men of that time cannot refute them. They can even speak to emperors and kings. They do miracles in the name of Christ--- they heal all sorts of diseases and disabilities, exorcised demons and bring dead persons back to life. They inspire people and they were ready to leave their own homes and families and go to foreign countries just to bring the good news. And later, if during the arrest of Jesus they abandoned him, they were now ready to give their lives in witness to the truth. These disciples see the world not of ordinary eyes but seeing them in the light of Christ, they see how it needs reform and how it needs to feel its belonging to Christ.
If you see the world in the eyes of Christ, you will see people who irritate you or causing you sadness not as your enemies but as persons needing your help in order to lead them to good ways. You will understand that these persons perhaps needs attention that they lack at home and you need to feel them being accepted. That is how St. Therese sees. When confronted by her fellow nun who irritates her saying, "Tell me, why is it that when you see me, you smiles." she replied, "I see Jesus in you."
If you see the world in the eyes of Christ, you will see your problems not as a burden but as an opportunity of grace. You will stop complaining to the Lord why he gave you trials but you will even thank God that these problems give you lessons in life that will make you closer to him. Seeing the world in the eyes of Christ allows you to see yourself as a sinner but in your littleness and weaknesses, God allows you to become a vessel of his grace. You have that confidence and you do not feel discouraged by your shortcomings but allow God's grace to work in you.
Thanks to the eyes of Christ we see the world in the midst of ugliness as beautiful. We see how God loves the world in spite of man's sinfulness and pride that causes chaos. We see how the world needs our hands to continue Christ's work. We see what we can do in order to help the world have its beauty according to the mind of God. We learn to appreciate more his wonderful works. St. Francis of Assisi sees all creatures in the world as his brothers and sisters. He thank God for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, Sister Rain and Mother Earth. That is why he exhorts his fellow friars to love God's creation.
We cannot see the way how Christ sees unless we develop close relationship to him. Not just a close relationship but an intimate relationship. It is like our human relationships. For example, you are totally different from another person. But if that person becomes your best friend, you changes. Whether you believe it or not, you are influenced in many ways. The way you speak or the way you behave will resemble your best friend. You will share a lot of similar points of view regarding various topics. You will love the persons or things that he loves. You will never do anything that he dislikes especially if he sees it or he knows about it. You are there to help him at all times. So if we accept Christ's invitation to be our best friend, we become more and more like him. That is why the season of Easter allows us to recall and live the true meaning of our baptism by which we reject sin, we profess our faith and we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.
I pray that may the Risen Christ allow us to see how he sees. Then we will be able to understand each situation the way he understands, love others the way he loves and serve the Father the way he serves.
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