FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 

This isn’t the only time in the Scriptures that the disciples do not immediately recognize the risen Christ.   Outside the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for the gardener until he says her name (John 20:11-18).   The two disciples talk to Jesus on the road to Emmaus, but they think he is simply a fellow traveler on the road until he breaks bread (Luke 24:13-35).   We don’t know why, but in each of these encounters something about Jesus finally causes his followers to recognize him.

Many of us have had similar moments.   Jesus is with us, “standing” right in front of us, but we only recognize his presence when something happens that opens our eyes.   It hasn’t been crystal clear that he has been with us the whole time, but once we do see him and realize that he never left us, we feel comforted and encouraged.

So what can we learn from the disciples’ experience and our own?   To hold onto our faith when it’s difficult to sense God’s presence.   To believe the time-tested truth that even when we struggle to sense Jesus’ presence or wonder how he is at work, he is closer than we realize, caring for us and loving us.

If you’re wrestling with this right now, try to shift your perspective to see how Jesus continues to stand by you.   He is with you when a friend reaches out to help you in an unexpected way.   He is with you when you feel a sense of peace at Mass or when you find a Scripture verse especially consoling.   It is his grace that gives you the strength to serve your family or the courage to share your faith.   When you choose to believe that Jesus is loving you in and through all these things, you are choosing to believe that Jesus is standing with you.

At its heart, this is what it means to put our faith into practice—it’s believing without seeing.   Wherever you are, you can choose to believe that Jesus is with you, whether you recognize him or not.   You are not alone, and he is not far off.

“Jesus, thank you for remaining close to me.   Lord, help me to see you everywhere I go.”

Acts 4:1-12
Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27