Gospel: "We were hoping" may be the saddest words in the Gospels. This is what the two disciples say to the Risen Christ on the Road to Emmaus, though they do not realize it's him (Lk 24). So many dashed hopes in the last few months--loved ones who have died or fallen ill...

...weddings, graduations and other important events cancelled.

The disciples were naturally sad, disappointed and despairing after the Crucifixion. Yet God was still in their midst--in this case, in front of them. Part of the invitation during tragedy is to still look for God.

God may be much harder to recognize, as the Risen One was for the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, but God is still present.

Image: Fritz von Uhde, "The Road to Emmaus."