A visit from Jesus

'Emmaus' marble sculpture at Lourdes by Maria de Faykod 

As we read the beautiful story of the meeting of Jesus with the disciples at Emmaus, let us imagine that He is also showing up at our homes....I share this reflection which I shared in my homily this weekend.

What if Jesus came to your house today? What would you do if there is a knock on the door, and when you open, you find Jesus in person, asking if He could spend a day or two with you? I’m sure you would give Him the best room in your house, cook the best meal for Him, and take Him around your village. And tell Him how proud you are that He came to visit you. But honestly, when you saw Him at the door, were you ready to open your arms and welcome him in, or would you have to tell Him to excuse you while you go and change your clothes? Would you go and hide your magazines and put the Bible in their place? Maybe you’ll turn off the radio, or switch the TV channel, and hide the screen of your computer? And maybe you were embarrassed to have spoken that harsh word to your brother or sister or parents?

Would you hide those CDs you listen to and replace them with some sacred hymns? Would you go about hiding the pictures you have hanging in your rooms and instead hang a crucifix quickly and a painting of the Madonna, if you have one? Yes, it’s good to reflect for a while to see if you would keep on doing the things you always did. Or say the same words and expressions you are so used to saying. Maybe start saying table grace, if you’ve never bothered to say it before. Would you take Jesus where you were planning to go, or maybe you’ll change your plans for a day or two? Would you want Him to meet your friends, or hope they won’t show up for a few days? Ask yourself in all honesty if a typical visit would make you happy and truly honored, or would you sigh with relief when at last He’s finally gone? It’s worth thinking seriously what you would do or not do if Jesus came into your life for a day or two?

Now although for some of you may find this to be a fictitious or hypothetical situation, effectively it is not.  Because Jesus is really in our midst every day we live. And contrary to what happened to the two disciples, I hope we can recognize Him right away.