# Seeing the Risen Christ in the Simple Meal
*2015-04-17*

> Bill reflects on Luke 24:36‑43, where the risen Jesus appears to His frightened disciples, invites them to touch Him, and eats a piece of fish, urging us to recognize Christ in everyday moments and the suffering of the poor.

## The Appearance of the Risen Lord

In Luke 24:36‑43 we read that while the disciples were talking, Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus asked, “Why are you frightened? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?” He invited them to look at His hands and feet, to touch Him, and to see that He had flesh and bones—something a ghost does not possess.

## A Meal That Proves His Reality

After showing them His wounds, Jesus asked, “Do you have anything to eat?” They gave Him a piece of boiled fish, which He took and ate in their presence. This simple act confirmed His bodily resurrection and brought the disciples from disbelief to joy.

## From Fear to Faith

The disciples were crippled with fear and unable to comprehend the risen Lord, yet He turned the situation around by asking them questions and offering a tangible sign of His presence. That moment became a turning point, bringing peace to their hearts.

## Recognizing Christ in Everyday Life

Just as Jesus identified Himself with the simple food of fish, He also identifies Himself with the bread and wine of the Eucharist. As committed Christians, we are called to see Him in the ordinary meals at our tables and, more importantly, in the wounds of the poor, the broken hearts of widows, victims of violence, and those living in desperate conditions.

*Christ reveals Himself in the humble, everyday moments that invite us to touch, share, and recognize His presence among the suffering.*