Thursday April 20, 2023

Today is Thursday, April 20 and we are studying the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

I pause to center myself for this time of prayer. Slowly I breathe in and out, clearing my mind and welcoming the presence of Jesus Christ in my midst.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and shedding your blood for the salvation of my soul. Open the scriptures to me and reveal the amazing wonder of your suffering, death and resurrection. Amen.

All day long I rejoice in the Lord my God and praise him with the words of Psalm 89.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. Psalm 89:15-16

Pause and Pray

The Bible records twelve appearances of Jesus that occurred in the forty days following his Resurrection. On Easter evening Jesus appeared to two men on the road to Emmaus but they did not recognize him. By the time they arrive home the sun has set, and dusk has fallen. Cleopas and his friend urge the unidentified man to stay with them and not walk on in the darkness alone. Jesus accepts the invitation and enters their home. An evening meal is prepared, and they gather around the table to dine.

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 24:30-35

As we walk the sunset path together, Jesus opens the ancient scriptures to me alongside the two men. I am told the true meaning of his crucifixion, death and resurrection. His suffering was necessary for my eternal salvation and was clearly predicted in the Old Testament. The ancient prophecies are fulfilled. When Jesus breaks the bread, the men’s eyes are open and they recognize Jesus. Before their eyes were “opened” in the Eucharist, Jesus “opened” the Bible to them. Through the Word and the Sacrament, they see Jesus. In the same way, through the Word and Sacrament, I can see Jesus today. My eyes are opened and I see.

Ask: How have my eyes been opened to the truth of Jesus when reading the Holy Bible? When have my eyes been opened to the presence of Christ in the celebration of Holy Communion?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, sit alongside me as I read God’s sacred Word and open the scriptures to me. Give me understanding of the fulfillment of God’s great rescue plan for humanity. Let my heart burn within me as I come to grasp the Messianic truth. Lord Jesus, in the sacrament of Holy Communion let me recognize your presence as the bread is broken and the cup is lifted.
I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

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 24:30-35

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

When the disciple’s eyes were opened they returned at once to Jerusalem. It became a round trip journey. Seven miles each way. On the way to Emmaus they had no faith, they presume Jesus is dead. On the return trip to Jerusalem they have faith, they know Jesus is alive. I am also on a journey with Jesus. As I spend time in his presence I will come to recognize him more and more. Jesus talks with me, opens the scriptures to me, gives me bread and opens my eyes to see him more clearly.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Savior, open my eyes that I may see the wonders of your love and truth. Come and journey alongside me on the road of life. Teach me the wondrous truth of God’s plan of redemption. Dine with me at the table of my heart and give me the bread for which my soul longs. Satisfy my deepest hunger with the joy of your presence. Amen.

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18

I leave this time of prayer to walk with Jesus; I go to tell others the truth of his great love.

Amen