“Volumus Iseum Videre” is the Episcopal Motto of Bishop Ryan Jimenez. It translates to “We would like or we desire to see Jesus”. Who of us would not want to see and encounter the Risen Lord? This Sunday’s gospel describes the Sacrament of the Eucharist/Mass, as the best way to see and encounter the risen Christ.
“for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20).
The gospel begins by telling us that two disciples are journeying on the road when Jesus suddenly appears in their midst. This is what we do every Sunday when we gather for mass. We are all on this journey of life and we gather together as a family of faith. Jesus Himself said, “for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20).
We are then told that Jesus strikes a conversation with them. Jesus speaks and they listen and vice versa. This is prayer! Mass is the greatest and highest prayer! We listen to God’s voice in our lives and we too speak to God our prayers of petition, contrition, and thanksgiving.
Next we hear, “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he[Jesus] interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” . This is the Liturgy of the Word. At every mass we read the Scriptures/Bible, from the Old to the New Testament. They all point to Jesus. Notice that Jesus interprets the scriptures for them. This is the homily at the mass, hopefully not too boring or absolutely worthless. Then the disciples say, “Stay with us Lord”. They offer hospitality and charity to Jesus. In the mass, we call this the “Offertory” or “Presentation of the gifts”. We offer the bread, wine, and other offerings to the Church, which is Christ’s mystical body.
Now a very important part is when Jesus, “was at table with them, he took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them”. This is the Consecration. At every mass, we have the altar. The priest acting in Christ’s name also takes bread, consecrates it and shares it for all at mass. Holy Communion is our communion with Jesus’ own Body and Blood. There is nothing greater on earth than this moment. It is interesting because we are told that only after the disciples receive Holy Communion, “their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus”. Similarly, without the Eucharist, we cannot recognize Jesus.
Finally in the gospel, the disciples “rose and returned to Jerusalem”. They went out to share how they encountered Jesus and “recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread”. This is the dismissal at mass. When the priest says, “Go in peace”, we respond, “Thanks be to God”. That does not mean, “Oh thank God it is over and we don’t have to come back here”. Rather, we are sent out on mission. God calls us to invite and call others to the Mass. To share with them that if they really want to encounter Jesus, all they have to do is go to Mass.