Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/250

 II. Having arrived  at  the  end  of  their  journey,  the  two disciples invite  their  unknown  companion  to  remain  with them. He seems  inclined  to  go  farther,  but  they  prevail on Him  to  stay. Although He  desires  nothing  more than to  be  with  us,  for  "  His  delight  is  to  be  with  the children  of  men"  (Prov.  viii.  31),  yet  He  loves  to  be entreated,  and  in  a  manner  forced,  by  earnest  prayer, to remain  with  us. Such was  the  sweet  compulsion  of Jacob  in  regard  to  the  angel  when  he  said,  "  I  will  not let  thee  go  except  thou  bless  me." (Gen. xxxii.  26.) Thus also  did  the  Canaanite  woman,  by  still  urging after the  first  repulse,  obtain  the  cure  of  her  daughter.

III. " While  He  was  at  table  with  them,  He  took  bread, and  blessed,  and  brake,  and  gave  to  them,  and  they  knew Him." (Luke xxiv.  30.)  These  singular  actions  and  their effects show  that  this  was  a  sacramental  entertainment, as the  holy  Fathers  generally  teach. The souls  of those  who  receive  worthily  are  truly  enlightened  by  the breaking of  the  Eucharistic  bread,  and  their  eyes  are opened to  see,  acknowledge,  and  love  the  infinite  goodness of  its  Author. Immediately after  Christ  had  discovered Himself,  He  disappeared  from  them;  for  He does  not  wish  His  disciples  to  entertain  themselves  too long even  in  spiritual  consolations,  but  return  to  their employments. Hence the  two  disciples  "rose  up  the same  hour,  and  went  back  to  Jerusalem"  (Luke  xxiv.  30), and with  joy  related  all  that  had  happened.

I. "  When  it  was  late,  that  same  day,  and  the  doors were  shut,  Jesus  came,  and  stood  in  the  midst"  of  the disciples, "  and  said  to  them,  Peace  be  to  you." (John