Breaking the bread and saying the blessing
During this time of lockdown, almost every day if not always, I go to the market. Then I cook some foods such as nilaga baboy, sinigang, bulalo, fried chicken, and spaghetti sometimes. The market becomes my favorite place because this is the only place where I could meet people, especially some of our parishioners. Perhaps, it would be exaggerated If I say, my life during this quarantine is like the one of Martha in the gospel. My concern is always about foods. And so, I remember the story when Jesus visited the house of Martha and Mary. “But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needed, Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” Like Martha, I forgot the only necessary thing.
So, today, in the afternoon, I decided to visit one of our chapels. The purpose was to see whether the vigil lamp in the tabernacle is on fire or not. Before I entered the Chapel, I took some pictures. While I was taking some pictures, two men passed by, holding the gates of the chapel and praying. I was touched by these two men. I was happy seeing them praying. And after they left, I stood in front of our chapel and said my short prayer.
Since the chapel is locked, I cannot see the vigil lamp in the tabernacle. But I took some pictures. Then I decided to return home. On the way home, I greeted our secretary in our office. And he asked me, Father, do you want to go inside the chapel? “Actually, that is my purpose. I want to check whether the vigil lamp is on or not,” I replied.
Together with Bro. Ben, our secretary, I entered the Chapel. And I saw the vigil lamp is still on fire. I was happy. I said to myself, wow…during this time of lockdown, our Risen Lord is always present in our Church. The signal is this vigil lamp. Jesus keeps vigil, praying for us. And again, I prayed. And I was really happy. I recognized and felt his presence.
Toward the end of their journey, the two disciples who were going to Emmaus, inviting Jesus, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So, he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight.
My friends, for sure, we missed the Mass. We missed our chapels. We missed our friends on Sunday masses. We missed singing in the house of God. But, don’t worry, Jesus is always present in your midst whenever you gather together as a family in prayer, during your meal times, or when you share the stories. He is present when you as a family joining the Mass via TV or live streaming. Look at Jesus who is breaking the bread and said the blessing for you. Listen to Jesus who is explaining the Scriptures.
I hope, like the two disciples of Emmaus we will be able to recognize God’s presence when he broke the bread and said the blessing. And toward the end of your prayer, you ask to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?”