Bread for Weary Hearts

Third Sunday of Easter, Year A

Luke 24:13-35

Jesus says, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!" (Luke 24:25) And I know He is speaking to me.

The prophets spoke of the love of God for His people. They foretold that the Messiah would wash away all of our sins through His suffering. His love for us, His love for every single one of us, is so vast that Holy Week and Easter Sunday happened as they did, exactly according to His plan.

But we are often foolish just like those men on the road to Emmaus.

Our mother's hearts are worried about many things like Martha yet we long to spend time in worship like Mary. We sometimes believe that we must choose one or the other, and it seems to tear us in two.

The reality is that we do not have to choose. We can turn to our seemingly simple tasks, like folding laundry and changing diapers, and see Christ's love for us in gratitude for our vocations and for His love. We can worship in that moment by simply loving Him back.

St. Ignatius taught to begin his spiritual exercises first by imagining how God gazes upon us with love. You may have read the story of St. John Vianney asking a poor farmer in his parish about his daily prayers before the tabernacle, and the man replying, "I just look at Him, and He looks back at me."

I like to think it's possible that since Eucharist means thanksgiving, every act of gratitude to the Lord turns our gaze upon Christ's Body and Blood, even if we are not physically before the Eucharist. Instead as homeschooling mothers our altar is the kitchen counter as we prepare a meal or the school table as we teach a lesson, but if we recognize the enormous love of God for us in those instances, then we can know Him "in the breaking of the bread" (Luke 24:35) amidst our daily duties.

When we acknowledge His love, we are no longer foolish but wise, and we are no longer anxious but find peace. My prayer for you this week is that you will see His love for you!