13 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. 14 They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. 15 In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. 16 But they were not able to recognize who he was."
The challenge for us is to recognize Jesus walking with us, even when at first he is hidden from our sight. For he often comes hidden in human acts of kindness, even those which seem so insignificant.
We were in Amman, Jordan, in a Orphanage for “throw away children”. Children who were so severely challenged, both physically and mentally that they could do little for themselves. We fed them, played with them, took them outside. We tried to be hospitable with them. Little seemed to make much difference in their miserable existence.
Then on Friday morning a well dressed man entered the Orphanage. Suit, tie, very “western” looking. As soon as he entered all the children began to squeal and make what ever noise they could. We stood in awe as he removed his suit coat and began one by one to call the children by name and gently but firmly move their twisted limbs.
It look like it might hurt. It did some. They enjoyed every minute of it. And each had their turn.
When he was finished he sat with us. He told us he was a Physical Therapist, a Muslim who instead of going to Mosque came weekly to the Orphanage to spend some time
with the children. The children who were hopelessly deformed and for whom he could do little good. Except give them a few moments of loving touch.
When he left we all agreed that we had seen Jesus - in that man and in the love of his touch! We were surprised by the discovery; and overjoyed to have our eyes opened to see that Jesus walks with all who touch in love!
"All gestures of love, however small they be,
in favor of the poor and the unwanted,
are important to Jesus."
Mother Teresa
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