Recognizing the Path to Life

This last weekend's readings prompted the following meditation, and I offer it for your consideration to help you live out the mysteries of this Easter season more fully.

“You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.”—Psalm 16: 11 

Being Filled with Joy

We are now two weeks removed from the glorious celebration of Easter Sunday. For many of us though, the joy, hope and exuberance of Resurrection Sunday may have faded a bit, particularly as the daily tasks and challenges of life may have overtaken us in the days since.

In the first reading though, Peter reminds those in Jerusalem (and us) why we should remain filled with joy. Peter reminds those listening that Jesus performed mighty deeds, wonders and signs in their midst, and because of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection they have been filled with joy.

But that isn’t just true for those in Jerusalem over two thousand years ago.

We, too, have been filled with joy because Jesus continues to perform His mighty deeds, wonders and signs today.

Unfortunately, we don’t see it sometimes.

Setting the Lord Ever Before Us

The adage, “Out of sight, out of mind” has a ring of truth to it, and all of us can probably remember when we forgot about something (or someone) because we didn’t see it before us. Or perhaps there is something going on and we don’t want to see it because seeing whatever is going on might cause a massive change in our life.  

Regardless of the reason, if we are not intentional, we will forget or not see whatever is right before us.

Therefore, we need to be intentional about keeping the Lord and His mighty deeds, wonders and signs front and center before us.

We can do this in different ways, but some of the best are to immerse ourselves in the Gospels, go to daily Mass and spend time in Adoration, and spend time with family and friends.   

The Path to Life 

Today’s Gospel of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is one of the most well-known accounts of Jesus’ appearing after His Resurrection.

In it, we learn how despite their best efforts, the two disciples could not recognize Jesus in their midst.

They, like us, were “slow of heart.” 

But there is a reason that Easter is a season. 

Jesus and His Church are giving us the time we need to remember the joy by recounting and remembering the mighty deeds, wonders and signs of Jesus and the early Church throughout these fifty days.

Additionally, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus have given us a clue about how we might overcome our slowness and forgetfulness—we ask Jesus to stay with us.

Remember, by asking that question, the two disciples eventually did recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

And we can do the same.

Ask Jesus to stay with you, and then seek to spend time at table with Him. And then keep doing it--regardless of how much time you need to get better at recognizing His presence.

When you do, you will be filled with joy because you will see the path to life clearly before you.

And His name is Jesus.  

Prayer

Almighty God, grant me the graces necessary to ever keep you before me. Help me be filled with joy so that I may live out the entirety of the Easter season mindful of all that you have done for me through your sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus, I ask that you stay with me always. May my heart burn with love for you as I seek to never falter from the path to life which you have laid before me.    

Call to Action

Resolve to be intentional about keeping the Lord before you so you can grow in your capacity to recognize Him in your midst. Suggestions for how to do this could be through the use of sacred art or an icon, going to daily Mass, spending time before the Tabernacle or in Adoration, or having long conversations with family or friends as you share a meal. 

If you like this, make sure to check out my blog at christinasemmens.com or you can find me on Substack at sayyestoholiness.com