MONDAY – WALKING TOGETHER AND SHARING OUR STORY
They did not see him! This passage from Luke reveals so much to us about what it means to be people of faith. Just as the disciples, we often don’t see the face of Christ before us. Despite the witness of their peers, that they had seen a vision and that Jesus was alive, they still doubt. Despite all of the miracles and teachings of Jesus that they had been witness to themselves, they still doubt. And so, Jesus opens the story up to them by walking them through history. He witnesses to them about the story of faith through the ages, from the Hebrew Scriptures to the moment of their encounter. Does our faith need concrete, visual witness or can we respond to the spirit within us? What do our human history and the present moment reveal to us about God dwelling among us?
Pope Francis reminds us to seek Christ where he may be found in the poor, the marginalized, the refugee, the physically and mentally challenged, the lonely and the forgotten.
“Without a solution to the problems of the poor, we will not solve the problems of the world. We need projects, mechanisms and processes to implement better distribution of resources, from the creation of new jobs to the integral promotion of those
who are excluded’.”
Pope Francis as quoted in Millennial, January, 2015.
For reflection:
The Catholic faith has a rich tradition of social justice teachings that help to guide our walk as Christians.
Explore Catholic Social Teachings with the following websites;
The writings of Jean Vanier encourage us to look into the faces of the most vulnerable and see the face of Christ.
Considering the Catholic Social Teaching of Sanctity of Life and Dignity of the Human Person, what is the leadership of Pope Francis revealing to us about the face of Christ in the world today?
Where are the places that Christ unexpectedly reveals himself to us?
Create a class Prezi or Google slides presentation to post for other religion classes.
TUESDAY – OPENING THE SCRIPTURES
Jesus reprimands the disciples for not understanding the story and history of the sacred texts that have lead them to this moment. He walks them through the witness of prophets.
In the world today, it is ever more apparent that it is of great importance to appreciate history and the need for prophetic voices to help us all reach peace and understanding. There are many prophets among us who remind others of the need to think of the common good. The Catholic Social Teaching theme of SOLIDARITY is about valuing the story and contribution of each individual. Inequality and injustice are an indication that the bonds of humanity can so easily be broken when materialism and individualism dominate.
The following quote from Pope Francis speaks of the importance of solidarity:
“And the Brazilian people, particularly the humblest among you, can offer the world a valuable lesson in solidarity, a word that is too often forgotten or silenced, because it is uncomfortable. I would like to make an appeal to those in possession of greater resources, to public authorities and to all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity! No one can remain insensitive to the inequalities that persist in the world! Everybody, according to his or her particular opportunities and responsibilities, should be able to make a personal contribution to putting an end to so many social injustices. The culture of selfishness and individualism that often prevails in our society is not what builds up and leads to a more habitable world: it is the culture of solidarity that does so, seeing others not as rivals or statistics, but brothers and sisters.”
From ‘The Official Vatican Network’, July, 2013
For reflection:
Considering issues and challenges globally and in your school community, identify circumstances where you think a commitment to solidarity is important.
Think of someone, someone you know or a public figure, who tries to bring a prophetic voice to anyone who will listen.
WEDNESDAY – WELCOMING OTHERS
TO THE TABLE
In this passage, we find a humble, unassuming Christ ready to take leave of his companions and journey on alone. But they “urged him strongly” and extended hospitality. This hospitality will set the stage for these disciples to truly encounter Christ, be forgiven for their inability to recognize him in their midst, and be transformed. How many times are we too focused on our own lives to extend help to the other? It is sometimes easier to provide help when asked, than to recognize when others are in need and to offer assistance without being asked. We need to truly see the other, and welcome others to be with us, providing for their needs. The Catholic Social Teaching, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, compels us to do just this. We must be ever mindful of those who find themselves marginalized in our communities, affirm their dignity, and ensure they be given the same rights as all others. For it is through the encounter with the other, created in the image of God, that we might encounter Christ and thus be transformed like the companions on the Road to Emmaus.
Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society. This demands that we be docile and attentive to the cry of the poor and to come to their aid.
EvangeliiGaudium, no.187.
For reflection:
How welcoming do you feel is the cafeteria in your school? Do all students feel equally welcome? If not, what concrete steps may be taken to ensure all feel included?
Think of a time when you felt excluded. How did you feel? What did you most need from others?
Be aware of those in your school who may appear on the margins. Commit to one small act each day to extend hospitality to these members of your community.
THURSDAY – RECOGNIZING JESUS
IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
A common theme in the Gospel of Luke is that of sight related to faith. Until this point in time, the companions on the journey could not “see” the Christ who walked with them. Even though the pair had recounted how the women had witnessed the risen Christ, and even after Christ had explained all that the Scriptures had foretold of him, they were blind to the truth before them. At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples he would not again eat or drink with them until the Kingdom of God comes (Luke 22: 16,18). By sharing the meal and breaking the bread, Christ affirms the Kingdom has come and he forgives his companions for their lack of faith, transforming them, once again, to disciples. But Christ’s revelation is but for a moment, and then he is gone. If the disciples had not offered Christ hospitality, this encounter would have been missed. Christ is made known in the ordinary action of breaking bread. The ordinary reveals the sacred each day, if we see by the eyes of faith. Creation, for example, gives evidence of the Creator. We strengthen our relationship with God when we Steward Creation in a manner pleasing to God. We partake in the Real Presence of Christ when simple bread and wine is transformed into the body and blood of our Lord.
We are losing the attitude of wonder, contemplation, listening to creation. The implications of living in a horizontal manner [is that] we have moved away from God, we no
longer read His signs.
Pope Francis, World Environment Day, June 2013
For reflection:
Describe an experience you have had in nature when you have sensed the Divine.
Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables concludes with the famous line, “To love another human, is to see the face of God.” Christ reveals himself in the personal action of breaking bread. What other human actions of love reveal the love of God?
For further reading, consider You Love All That Exists… Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2003.
FRIDAY – PROCLAIMING
THE GOOD NEWS
The journey begins with a pair of travellers in despair. They had hoped Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel (v. 21), but their hopes were dashed when they witnessed his crucifixion. Christ forgives his companions for their lack of faith and gives them a new spirit – enlivened to witness to their encounter. They acknowledge that their hearts had been burning in Christ’s presence, but they did not attend to this feeling. The reader feels the sense of urgency in their response to Christ’s revelation – they got up “that same hour” and returned to Jerusalem. Those who have a transformational experience of Christ are compelled to share the Good News and bare witness! In 1989, the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario challenged students to witness to their faith, stating:
“Whatever your age, you are not too young to assume responsibility with and for your fellow students. You are a most significant educational influence on each other. You can help each other become disciples of Jesus Christ or you can hinder each other from becoming everything you are called to be.” (This Moment of Promise)
No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Mt. 5:15-16)
For reflection:
The disciples failed to notice how their hearts had burned as the Lord spoke to them. Reflecting back, can you think of a time you have had an experience of the sacred, yet failed to recognize it at the time?
Christ continues to desire to be in relationship with us and to journey with us. What do you feel prevents people from recognizing Christ’s presence and Christ’s call?
Based on your answer to the previous question, suggest a remedy to “open communication” between Christ and his followers.