In this first week of Easter, we are collectively getting back into our routines after Lent and the Easter Triduum.  Our celebrations of Easter were undoubtedly grounded in traditions: Easter Egg hunts, delicious food to share with family, wearing special clothing for Mass and gatherings, enjoying Easter candy after fasting during Lent and other cherished traditions.  Here in the Midwest, the weeks of Lent were cold and dreary, so engaging in the celebratory traditions felt even more exciting.  Traditions can ground us and can give a group a sense of shared identity.

This dynamic came to mind as I read today’s Gospel from Luke.  We hear the story of two disciples processing all they had witnessed and experienced in the days related to the crucifixion of Jesus including the confusion about his empty tomb.  Those powerful reactions were all consuming, thus preventing the disciples from seeing Jesus when he appeared to them as they walked along the road.  Jesus entered their discussion and even his quoting scripture did not tip them off to his identity.  Yet, once they gathered at table and Jesus broke bread and offered the blessing, did they recognize him.  That tradition allowed the disciples to see Jesus.  Reflecting upon the experience they were surprised they were not able to see him as he quoted scripture, but after breaking bread with Jesus they were able to witness to the other disciples that Jesus “has truly been raised.”

In today’s first reading from Acts we hear about the man at the Beautiful Gate who accepts the gift from Peter of the healing in the name of Jesus.  After a lifetime of not being able to walk his feet and ankles immediately grow strong, and the man was able to stand and walk.  He used this gift to jump all around the Temple in praise of Jesus.  His astonishing physical transformation and testimony to faith in Jesus inspired people all around him.

As the season of Easter continues, I pray for the grace to trust in Jesus the way the man in the Temple did.  I ask to hear the voice of God especially in times when I am consumed by troubling thoughts or busy celebrations.  I pray to fully appreciate the gift of the Eucharist and remember Jesus breaking bread.  I hope for traditions to continue to build community, and I ask to be able to see those who would love to be invited in.

Let us pray with the Psalm for today:  Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. 

What a wonderful way to celebrate the gifts of Easter!