All of us have been at a party or walking on the street, when we failed to recognize someone we actually know very well. When we finally realize our mistake, we wonder "How could I possibly not have known my doctor?" or my old neighbor or college roommate.

Today, we join two disciples on the road to Emmaus who should have known Jesus immediately. Even as they walk and talk, they still don't recognize him. And that doesn't change until he sits with them at table, blesses and breaks the bread, and gives it to them. "With that, their eyes were opened and they recognized him..."

Communion Symbolism

How about us? Does our communion open our eyes to a remarkable new perception of Jesus in our midst? Allow me to share an explanation of the Eucharist from a letter by Pope John Paul II:

"The Eucharist is not merely an expression of communion in the Church's life; it is also a project of solidarity for all of humanity. In the celebration of the Eucharist the Church constantly renews her awareness of being a 'sign and instrument' not only of intimate union with God but also of the unity of the whole human race...." (Para.27, Mane Nobiscum)

A Project of Solidarity

Just a moment. Can the Holy Father actually mean that our receiving communion today is a "project of solidarity," not just for those of us baptized Catholics who approach the altar, but "for all of humanity"? Pretty remarkable truth, isn't it? Do we realize that when we take Jesus into our bodies today, we renew our mission to be a "sign and instrument" of intimate union with God, AND "the unity of the whole human race..."!?

But this might push some of us right out of our comfort zone. If communion gives us a spirit of solidarity with all of humanity... then why do we often feel so uncomfortable being with the poor, the "different," the alcoholic, or the mentally handicapped?

Why aren't we feeling this solidarity with all humanity that the Holy Father speaks about? To act out that idea can be uncomfortable. We have certain rules and categories of "what is appropriate." But to have "intimate union" with the whole human race, to live in solidarity with humanity-it's going to mean sweat, blood, love, pain, joy, risk, confusion, discomfort, amazement... It means we will often be out of our comfort zone... say, at being a friend to some tattooed teenager, or talking to those guys we see asking for change on the corners.

So, what is this Eucharist, then? Pope John Paul II goes on to say, "The Christian who takes part in the Eucharist learns to become a promoter of communion, peace and solidarity in every situation. More than ever, our troubled world, which began the new Millennium with the spectre of terrorism and the tragedy of war, demands that Christians learn to experience the Eucharist as a great school of peace..."

Challenging Our Comfort Level

The Eucharist is our school for peace! The world's in a terrible mess, with deep, deep suspicion, fear, and discomfort all around us. Here is a paradox: We need to step out of our comfort zone whenever we feel the differentness of others. Then step into Jesus' comfort zone, by bringing Jesus' peace and solidarity into the lives of others.

Enter Jesus' comfort zone by smiling at a stranger. Look someone in the eye and say "good morning." Challenge your comfort level in one small way to remind someone that there is hope, and there is life ahead. This is the meaning of the Resurrection that we celebrate in the Eucharist! One woman who always feared the dirty men at the post office corner decided she had been afraid long enough. She planned to look the next guy in the eye, and ask if he needed $2 for some coffee, before he had to ask.

She was still afraid, but she walked up and asked him. One comment led to another, then to a joke, and she learned that here was a man who looked scary, but who had layers of intelligence, and humor, and kindness in him. As she talked to him, she felt that strange lightness and easiness that comes when something that is too tight is cut away. One small step out of her comfort zone-and she felt her spirit lift up like a kite on the breeze.

Maybe you're afraid of teenagers, and don't like being around them, with all of their piercings and strange language. Or maybe you're a teenager who doesn't like being near the old, the sick, or the dying-too scary. Ask yourself, "What makes me uncomfortable?" and the answer will tell you what your limitations are. That is the line Jesus calls us to cross-one small step out, to bring solidarity to the world, and peace to your own heart.

The Pope leaves us with this very dramatic statement in his letter-one we cannot ignore. He says: "We cannot delude ourselves: by our mutual love and, in particular, by our concern for those in need we will be recognized as true followers of Christ (cf. Jn 13:35; Mt 25:31-46). This will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic celebration is judged."