Mane Nobiscum Domine

200 Words: Nothing worthwhile happens on our own. Everything worthwhile happens with others.

Popes write teaching documents for faith-edification.

These texts receive a Latin title, utilising the first words of the document. Pope John Paul II published this document in 2004, meaning ‘Stay with us, Lord.’

The opening paragraph is exquisite:

‘Stay with us, Lord, for it is almost evening’ (Luke 24). This was the insistent invitation that the two disciples journeying to Emmaus on the evening of the day of the resurrection addressed to the Wayfarer who had accompanied them on their journey.

Jesus, our Wayfarer. We have come from God; we are going to God; God is with us every step of the way.

Note that there are two disciples.

They had lost hope, but not their memories. Jesus gave a clear missionary mandate to the seventy-two: Go out ‘two-by-two’ (Luke 10).

Nothing worthwhile happens on our own. Everything worthwhile happens with others.

Together they walked. Together they received a resurrection appearance of the Lord. Together their ‘hearts burned’ within.

Together they speak in the plural, not singular, and plead with Jesus to ‘stay with us.’ Together they celebrate the ‘breaking of bread.’ Together their ‘eyes are opened.’

Let’s be insistent.

‘Stay with us, Lord,’ we pray.

Amen.