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.
WEDNESDAY.
Christ Appears in the Absence of St. Thomas. — I.
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
