Only Once

It had to happen once, at least one time.

If Christ had never been born of Mary, could we say that God became man? If he had not died on the cross, could we say that our lives had been purchased by a perfect sacrifice? And if he had not risen and shown himself to simple, dejected men, would we be where we are today?

The men on the way to Emmaeus were “slow of heart” to believe, but they did believe. When Christ revealed the Scriptures to them they were mesmerized and would not let him leave their company. They encountered something true in Scripture and when Christ made it seem as if he would leave them they invited Him into their lodging. Once they invited him further into their home, that is their hearts, he revealed himself further through the breaking of the bread. It was at that moment, when the bread was “given to them,” that the Eucharist was complete and the Lord was fully realized. For these men, it only had to happen once.

Our God is not a distant God, but one who acts in history and limits Himself out of His own great love to be with us. When we admire God at a distance he makes it seem as if he will leave us. If we allow Him into our hearts we must then receive Him with our bodies as food and drink. When we do this our eyes will be opened.

We see the effect that this has on others. Some will make the immobile mobile. Others will make the unbeliever believe. All it takes is an encounter with Christ that is allowed to grow. It only needs to happen once.

When it happens it brings others to prayer, and when they pray it draws them closer to the table of that ultimate prayer. Christ did all these things once so that, by accepting them, we might benefit from them always.