Have you ever noticed that when you attend your class reunion that we do not always recognize a former classmate? It happens to the best of us. There could be a number of reasons why this happens: perhaps the person added some pounds over the years, has a new hairstyle (or even lack of hair), or maybe even that they had a little plastic surgery done. But then you hear a familiar laugh or see a gesture that tips you off to his or her identity. It is that “aha” moment that makes everything clear.
When the glorified Jesus appeared to his followers, he was so changed that they didn’t recognize him. So Jesus had to identify himself by saying, “Look at my hands and feet.” He had to show them the wounds left by the nails. These badges of love helped confirm his identity to his followers. But they still weren’t sure, so Jesus had to invite them to touch him. But that wasn’t enough. So Jesus needed to eat a piece of fish in front of them to show that he was truly alive. Then, he explained the scriptures and how all who saw him would be sent to tell the whole world about Jesus and all that he said and did.
Jesus comes to us too, but in different forms. He comes to us in the Sacred Scriptures. Jesus has a message for us in the readings. Each time we hear or read from Scripture, his message is tailored to us. The Bible is a living and breathing document, and still is as relevant in our lives today as it was when it was first published.
Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist, where we believe that Jesus is truly present: body, blood, soul and divinity. And Jesus comes to us through other people. How many times have we seen Jesus in others, whether by word, action, or deed? Guess what, Jesus IS in other people.
Our faith helps us experience Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures, Eucharist and in others. As with all virtues, the more we exercise our faith, the stronger it becomes.
It’s through reading the Bible, receiving Holy Communion and helping the needy, the ones who are hurting the most – that’s how we come to recognize Jesus with eyes of faith.
