Keeping a lookout…When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. Luke 24:30-31 Keep a lookout... How often have we heard these words? People often told us to look out for deer, for our father, for the delivery truck, for the first sign of spring… The collect for this coming Sunday also encourages us to keep a lookout. We ask God to keep our eyes of faith wide open that we might see Jesus, not only in the breaking of the bread, but in all his redeeming work. A very spiritual person once said that we should look for Jesus every time we celebrate the eucharist. In our celebration of thanksgiving, we remember our Lord breaking bread on the night before he died…and we should keep a look out. And when we recall how, on the evening of the day of resurrection, his disciples recognized him when he took bread and broke it and gave it them…we too should keep a look out. But we are also to keep a lookout for him in all his redeeming work in this world: When we see lives changed by his grace… When we speak his words of peace to a troubled community… When we help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, stand against injustice… When we look out for the widows and orphans… We should keep a look out. So, keep your eyes peeled! And don’t be surprised when you see the eyes of Jesus looking back at you. On the lookout with you, Matthew+ O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP p.224) |