Be a Witness

And they told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread. Now whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and saith to them: Peace be to you; it is I, fear not.

But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle, and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me to have. And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and feet. But while they yet believed not, and wondered for joy, he said: Have you any thing to eat?

And they offered him a piece of a broiled fish, and a honeycomb. And when he had eaten before them, taking the remains, he gave to them. And he said to them: These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, the third day: And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And you are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:35-48 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father we are often so very busy in our lives that we fail to see your hand in it. Like the two men who journeyed on the road to Emmaus were so preoccupied they didn't even realize it was the risen Jesus with them. Today it seems that we are told to be witnesses of Jesus and that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name.

These men were the first witnesses to the life, death and resurrection of your son Jesus. They have passed down to all generations the facts of this. We in our life encounter Jesus in various ways, but are often silent, afraid that people would think us fools. The disciples and the two from Emmaus were not thought of that way, Jesus showed up to prove their testimony. Whether we go through personal encounters of our Lord to something grand, we should be first of all witnesses of his grace and preach penance and reconciliation, because he came to save the lost.