18. — The First Appearance of Jesus to the Apostles.

The First Appearance of Jesus to the Apostles.

Read St. Luke xxiv. 30-39.

[30] And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them.

[31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. [32] And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures? [33] And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them, [34] Saying: The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. [35] And they told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread.

[36] Now whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and saith to them: Peace be to you; it is I, fear not. [37] But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a spirit. [38] And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? [39] See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle, and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me to have.

1. It was late when Jesus appeared to the apostles. Not in the early morning as to St. Mary Magdalen, not in the midday as to St. Peter, but in the evening. Why was this? It was because the apostles had forsaken Him in the hour of need. They all fled in the Garden of Gethsemani. Only St. Peter and St. John had followed to the house of Caiphas; all the rest had been timorous and faint-hearted. They had forfeited the privilege that the faithful company of the holy women had secured of beholding their Master early in the day. Jesus treats us as we treat Him; love begets love. Every act of love done for Him earns a generous reward in this life, and also in the next. If we neglect Him, we must expect Him to neglect us.

2. Yet they had not forgotten Him. Their hearts were full of love to Him, and it was for Him that they were now suffering; it was on account of Him that they had been sad during this mournful triduum spent in the solitude of the guest-chamber. He therefore would not let the sun go down without coming to console them. He is so grateful for every thought of Him, and so ready to forget every unkindness.

3. At first they did not recognize Him. It could not be a human body which had thus passed through the closed doors. They supposed that they saw a spirit, or a phantom of their Master. Men will not believe in the wonders that the love of Jesus is ready to work for those who love Him. He is ready to do for us far greater wonders than He wrought for His apostles. He is ready to break down all the barriers that sloth and idleness and sin have raised in our souls.