When Your Eyes Are Opened, Everything Changes
"Then they said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?'” (Luke 24:32)
"Then they said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?'” (Luke 24:32)
The Road to Emmaus is not just a story from the past—it is our story. How often do we move through life, blind to Christ walking beside us? Like the disciples, we become so consumed by our struggles, unanswered prayers, and anxieties about the future that we fail to see Jesus in our midst.
Yet, He is present. He speaks in the quiet of our hearts, through Scripture, and at Mass during the Breaking of the Bread. But are we paying attention? Are we inviting Him to stay with us and reveal Himself in the ordinary moments of our lives?
He walked alongside the disciples, spoke with them, and opened the Scriptures, yet they failed to recognize Him. Still, He remained. And when they asked, “Stay with us,” He revealed Himself in the Breaking of the Bread. Their eyes were opened, their hearts burned with recognition, and their sorrow turned to joy. Christ had been with them all along, waiting for their invitation. He does the same for us.
Are we making room for Jesus? This week, take a step closer—read Scripture with an open heart, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal Christ to you, and be fully present at Mass. Listen, receive, and most importantly, pray: “Lord, stay with me.”
Where in your life might Jesus be walking beside you, unnoticed?
Lord Jesus, stay with us in our doubts, struggles, and joys, keeping our hearts open to see Your presence. Amen.
Deacon John Carter was ordained in 2017. He serves at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. At the Cathedral, he serves in the Adult Faith Formation ministry with his wife Dr. Charmaine Carter. They have 3 children. He also serves in the Cathedral’s Bereavement ministry. As part of the Diaconate formation program, Deacon John obtained his Master of Theology from Saint Leo University. He is also an attorney and runs a law practice in St. Petersburg.
To sign up to receive the Be Courageous Daily Reflections to your inbox, click the link below.
