Companions on the Journey

     We are so individualistic in our society.  The world revolves around us, everything that touches us is about us.  Which results in our being exalted as a god of sorts or our being lost in the vacuum of our emptiness and self absorption.  We don't need anyone, for we don't want or trust anyone.  Where is this going?

     As followers of the risen Christ we are called into union with Him and into oneness with those who believe in and follow Him.  We are creatures who need each other, children who are called into the family of the Church.  We don't do this thing alone ... we can't do this thing alone.

     When Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples, He sent them out two by two.  When they left the upper room after the resurrection, like Peter and John in today's first reading, they went out in pairs.  Neither Peter or John said to the cripple "What I have ...", but they said: "What we have we give you...".  In the gospel account from Luke (Lk. 24: 13-35) we have the well known Emmaus story.  The two disciples on the road to Emmaus, visited by Jesus (whom they failed to recognize until the breaking of the bread).  They were sharing the news and the struggle of the last few days.  They cried on each others shoulders, they laughed at their fond memories of their friend, they supported each other in their hope, and they struggled to find meaning in the uncertainty of their experiences.  When Jesus joined them, they welcomed the opportunity to share with another, and to listen to him.

     It was in the familiar - the breaking of the bread - that they recognized Him.  It was then that they realized the stirring in their hearts at the words He spoke to them.  It was then that they realized that they needed to get back to the others, for there was Good News to share.

     Years ago, under Bishop Connare, our priests were invited into the Emmaus Program, and opportunity to gather in small groups or with another individual to share the walk of faith.  Other programs have also presented themselves. Some have lasted, others have not.  We are encouraged to have a Spiritual Director to share our spiritual journey.  All of us look to our spouse, or a good friend, or a priest or Religious to journey with us.  In our bulletin I have a feature called "Companions on the Journey" where we look at the saints of the upcoming week.  I remember three of my brothers in the priesthood that met with me weekly for years to pray and to support each other (one is in Heaven, the other two are still friends).  They got me through some challenging times in my priesthood, for which I am eternally grateful.

     Like Cleopas and his friend, like Peter and John, let us welcome Jesus into our journey and share that experience with those we trust and love.  And may we find and remember that "no man is an island, no man stands alone".  We are one with the Risen Christ and one with each other.