By Donna Orsuto and Filipe Domingues
These first months of 2022 will be remembered for the war in Ukraine, the tragedy of people losing their lives and millions of people fleeing for safety. We are mindful that this will also negatively impact those already suffering in various parts of the world.
At the same time, this period will be remembered for the millions of people who welcomed refugees, offering hospitality, showing tenderness and charity. Concretely, we at The Lay Centre ask ourselves: “What are we called to do?”
We were able to welcome the mother of one of our scholars from Ukraine who is staying with us for a while. It is a privilege for our community to have her here as our special guest.
In these times, it is good to remember above all that it is Jesus who accompanies those who carry a heavy burden as He did on the road to Emmaus. Still in shock and despair after the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, the disciples trudge along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus with heavy hearts. Then, they meet a stranger, who becomes their companion on the journey, a listener to confide in: “But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place” (Lk 24:21).
At first, they fail to recognize Him, but He was for them as He is for us, a Messenger of Hope. They invite Him to stay with them: “And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight” (Lk 24:30-31).
Light and hope return to their world and it returns to ours as we welcome Him into our midst.
The risen Jesus, the unseen stranger, is walking with us, today, tomorrow and always.
When our “Emmaus” road is filled with discouragement and despair, let’s walk it with Jesus. Walking with Jesus, our path will become a great journey of companionship, conversation, belief and hope.
Christ is risen from the dead! Christ is the Savior and hope of the world!
Photo Unsplash.com (Pisit Heng)