St. Luke recalls for us in today’s Gospel that it was only when Jesus opened their eyes and minds through his explanation of the scriptures and the breaking of the bread that the two disciples on the road to Emmaus came to recognize Him. As men and women of faith, we are like those disciples, living our lives in the real world, walking along with Jesus who is always there accompanying us, whether we recognize Him or not. Our Lord teaches us that at the end of our mortal life, He will call us to be with Him for all eternity. He will do so because of His great love for us and because of our response to do what He has asked: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked and attend to the needs of our brothers and sisters not only in our parishes and diocese but throughout the world. The Annual Catholic Appeal, with its theme, “Disciples of Christ, Witnesses of Faith” challenges each of us to bear witness to our faith and open our minds and hearts to bring those less fortunate closer to God’s table. To know Christ is to know His message of salvation; to love Christ is to imitate His love for all people; and to serve Christ is to manifest His teachings through acts of Christian Stewardship. This weekend you are invited to participate in the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal. Please respond by pledging a sacrificial gift to this important campaign. To learn more about the Annual Catholic Appeal, visit www.cdow.org; click “Giving” then “Annual Catholic Appeal”.