This time of year my family and I take a lot of walks. Now that we have added a new dog to our family, that number has only increased. We love to walk around our neighborhood, the dog park, and nature trails. As much as we do this, I am continually amazed at what my children notice that I completely overlook. Bugs, lizards, cloud formations, mud puddles, etc., are brought to my attention because my kids have the eyes to see them. In the same way our dog clearly sees or smells things we cannot. Their perception opens my eyes. Sunday we reflected on the Road to Emmaus story. It is a peculiar story. After Jesus has been crucified and the disciples have been told of his resurrection, they are walking along the road to Emmaus. Jesus comes alongside them and they seem to have an invigorating theological conversation—only they don’t recognize him. Those who have spent the most time with Jesus don’t recognize him in their midst. But mysteriously, through breaking bread together, their eyes are opened.

God had given each of us to each other. Young and old, male and female, religious and not-so-much, able-bodied and differently-abled, married and single, the monikers could go on and on. We see and experience the world differently and we each have something to teach another and to learn from another. When we break bread together, we come to know each other in unique ways that are often difficult to capture in words. As the bread is broken, so too are the walls that separate us. May we take the opportunity to share a meal with the stranger along the way, so that perhaps we might discover Christ in our midst.