Witnesses

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Witnesses

Startled   Recounted

Made Known Breaking Bread

Touch Me And See

Understanding

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 24: 35 to 37, 39

The two disciples told what had happened when they were on the way. Jesus was revealed to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus came and stood in their midst as they were speaking about this. The apostles were startled but Jesus told them not to be troubled.

Jesus said, "Touch me and see."

Reflection

The apostles are trying to understand what is happening. They are confused. They are finding it hard to believe that Jesus has risen.

Who could possibly blame them? This is something that is so extraordinary and unusual. The apostles have never experienced anything like this.

Jesus had told them that this would happen. He had tried to prepare them. The Hebrew Scriptures had spoken about the Suffering Sevant. Even with all that teaching to draw upon, the apostles found the resurrection hard to comprehend.

Jesus understood this and tried to help the apostles embrace this truth. He invited them to touch Him. He wanted them to come close and realize that He had truly risen.

Once the apostles truly understood this, they were able to become witnesses. They knew that Jesus was truly sent from God, that He was the Messiah, that He was the Son of God. 

There was no doubt now. They were able to spread the Good News.

Today we draw from this example. We realize that Jesus has overcome death and evil. We know that He will be with us.

He invites us to share the Good News that we have been given. Jesus has been made known to us. He invites us to touch Him and to feel the warmth of His Love.

We know with that amazing Love deep within us, we can witness to the resurrection! 

1. Why do you think the apostles were so troubled?

2. How prepared were the apostles to understand the resurrection of Jesus?

3. Have you ever felt Jesus inviting you to touch Him?

4. Have you felt called to witness to the resurrection of Jesus?

5. What do you feel as you ponder Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)