There is a lot of mythology associated with the saint we celebrate today – St George. His name probably brings to our mind the image of this courageous saint slaying a dragon – certainly some of the mythology that has sprung up about him throughout history. We do know that George was a Roman soldier who rose to the rank of officer and who was born in the latter part of the 3rd century before the Roman Empire officially recognized Christianity. The Roman Emperor Diocletian put George to death for his unwillingness to give up his Christian faith. George became one of the most venerated Catholic saints, having become the patron of Crusaders and soldiers, and having been depicted often in iconography.
As I reflect upon our Gospel today in the Octave of Easter, I think of how our theological knowledge of our faith is important, but that there is no substitute for a personal encounter and relationship with Christ. The disciples on the Road to Emmaus presumed Jesus to be dead, so they did not recognize him as he appeared to them in the midst of their journey. However, through this direct interaction with Jesus, through the kindness they offered him, who they supposed to be a stranger, and through them breaking open God’s word and breaking bread together, they recognize Jesus who is in front of them and they believe. This encounter inspires these two disciples to share their experiences and to bring the Gospel message to others. We are also called to offer acts of kindness to the stranger. We are also called to break open God’s word, to have his word interact with the reality of life. In the Eucharist, in the breaking of the bread around the Lord’s table, we are to receive nourishment and encouragement. Like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, we also are pilgrims on a journey.
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