Morning Message: April 22

The story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus continues.  Although Jesus joined them, they did not recognize him.  Then something very particular happened and they recognized him.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on.  But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.”  So he went in to stay with them.  When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.  Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.  They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us?”  That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.  Then they told what had happened on the road, and how Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Think about this silently in your heart.  Do you recognize and experience Christ’s presence when you receive Holy Communion?

It was only as they had fellowship with Jesus that He disclosed Himself to them. Jesus reveals Himself to those whose eyes He has opened through the truths of His Word.

It is not without significance that it is around the supper table that the disciples' are opened and they see Jesus for who He really is. In the intimacy of communion Jesus reveals Himself to us. His working in our lives becomes clearer, and His provision and protection come into focus.

But when they recognized Him He disappeared. Communion with Him was not going to depend on their ability to see Him, but rather upon their taking Him at His word.

And notice finally their response. Once they recognized Him, they could not help but share Him.

When your eyes have been opened, you will want others to have their eyes opened.

Do you know Jesus this morning? Have your eyes ever been opened to who He is and what He has done for you? Do you know that He walks with you and talks with you? Can you testify to His presence in your life? Has your experience with Him been so real, so moving, so life changing that it has caused you to tell others about Him? What will you do with Jesus this morning?

Loving God, Christ is present in the gift of the Eucharist.  May we receive him with joy and thanksgiving.  We pray in his name.  Amen.

Each year on April 22nd, National Earth Day campaigns around the globe promote ways to save the Earth. 

As it is written in Genesis, It is true that human beings have a special place in creation, but abuse and misuse of creation are not what God intends.  We have a moral responsibility to use the resources of creation with care.  As God cares and loves us through the wonder of creation, we should reflect that care in our relationship to the environment.  All of creation is for all of humanity.  Exploiting the created separates us from God.

What can you do to reduce the waste of natural resources?  What can you do to encourage others to be good stewards of creation?

As citizens of the world, we can take actions protecting the Earth, its creatures and their habitats.

Let us ask God to help us to work in harmony with His spirit to care for this gift.

Boys and girls, we hope you will share some of your favorite moments in nature or the outdoor, earth-loving activities you most enjoy.  Parents, please send photos of your student enjoying the outdoors, or working on an earth day project to Mrs. Hilmer at [email protected].

Have a wonderful day…and try to get outside to enjoy this beautiful earth!