We begin our Masses this weekend with the glorious proclamation of Christ’s resurrection – a theme that we repeat each week during this Easter season. Today, that hymn is “Festival Canticle: Worthy is Christ” by Richard Hillert, an American composer and professor. He is known as a Lutheran composer, but, of course, all Christian denominations believe in the resurrection of Our Lord. The text for this hymn is based on Revelation 5:12–14:
And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and blessing.”
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the
earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out:
“To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.”
The four living creatures answered, “Amen,”
and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Let us join them in crying out and worshipping our Lord!
In the Gospel this weekend, we hear once again of the disciples encountering the Risen Christ and recognizing Him in the breaking of the bread. Do we recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread? Even during this difficult time of isolation, are we able to recognize Him – not only in the Eucharist on live-streamed Masses as we spiritually receive Him, or at adoration on Fridays at 3:00pm, but do we recognize Him in each other in our daily lives? How does Christ appear to us? I can guarantee you that He is walking with us every day, but are we listening, watching or recognizing Him?
Our song during the preparation of the altar, “Two Were Bound for Emmaus,” speaks of this:
When the road makes us weary,
when our labor seems but loss,
when the fire of faith weakens and too high seems the cost,
let the Church turn to its risen Lord,
who for us bore the cross,
and we’ll find our hearts burning at the sound of his voice.
Make sure this week that you recognize Christ in your life and share it with others. Be thankful even during this time for your faith in Christ and His promises of salvation!