Praying the Communion Antiphon series: Eastertide Wednesday of the Easter Octave

 Praying the Communion Antiphon Series Eastertide

He is risen as He said

Wednesday of the Easter Octave (Easter Wednesday)

Hearts Burning

Communion Antiphon
“The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread, alleluia.” (cf. Luke 24:35)

 

1. Thinking about the Words

Recognized… in the breaking of the bread.

 The Recognized did not at the beginning or on the road or not even while He was speaking.

But in the breaking.

This is so gentle—and so precise.

The disciples had:

• walked with Him
• listened to Him
• spoken with Him

…and still did not recognise Him until this moment.

 

There is something here about how recognition happens.

Not always:

• quickly
• or clearly
• or when we expect it

But often:

in the quiet, familiar action

in the moment of giving and receiving

 

 2. The Gospel Connection — Encounter

Today’s Gospel (Gospel of Luke 24:13–35) unfolds slowly.

Two disciples are walking away:

• from Jerusalem
• from hope
• from what they thought would be

Jesus comes alongside them but they do not recognise Him.

He listens. He explains. He walks with them. And then, at table:

·         He takes

·          Blesses

·         Breaks

·         gives

And suddenly:

their eyes are opened

 

Now hold the antiphon and the Gospel together:

• The Gospel shows the moment
• The antiphon gives us the meaning

They recognised Him in the breaking of the bread

 

This is where it becomes deeply Eucharistic because this is not just their story.  This is our story—every time we come to Communion.

 

 3. For Us — Where is Resurrection today?

How often do I say:

• Where are You, Lord?
• Why can’t I see You?
• Why does this feel unclear?

And yet…

He may already be:

• walking beside me
• listening to me
• speaking into my life

 

·         The disciples only recognised Him:

·         when they stayed

·         when they received

·         when the bread was broken

 

Where might I be invited today:

• to stay a little longer
• to listen more deeply
• to receive what is being given

 

And especially:

When I receive Communion…

do I pause, even briefly, to recognise?

 

 4. Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You walk with me, even when I do not recognise You.

When my heart is slow to see,

stay with me.

Open my eyes in the breaking of the bread,

that I may know Your presence.

in the quiet and familiar moments of this day.

Let my heart burn within me

as You speak and as You give Yourself to me.

Alleluia.