Feeding Christ's Sheep

By the frequent occurrence of his bodily manifestations our Lord wished to show that he is present by his divinity in every place to the desires of those who are good.  He appeared at the tomb to those who were grieving; he will also be present to us when we are salutarily saddened at recalling his absence.  He came to meet those who were returning from the tomb so that, having learned of the joy of his resurrection, they might proclaim it; he will also be present to us when we rejoice in faithfully announcing the good things that we know to our neighbors.  He appeared in the breaking of bread to those who, supposing that he was a stranger, invited him to share their table; he will also be present to us when we willingly bestow whatever goods we can on strangers and poor people; and he will be present to us in the breaking of bread, when we partake with a chaste and simple conscience of the sacrament of his body, namely, the living bread.  He appeared in secret to those who were speaking of his resurrection; he is also present to us now, whenever we do this same thing by his gift; he will always be present to us when, free for a time from outside works, we come together in order to speak of his grace.  He appeared when they were staying inside, with the doors closed out of fear of the Jews; he appeared when this same fear abated and they sought him with steps unconcealed on the top of the mountain.  Formerly he was present in order to comfort his Church with his Spirit when it was oppressed by unbelievers, and was being prevented from coming out in public and being spread abroad; he is present to the same [Church] even now when royal personages in political power are well-disposed toward the faith, the terror of persecution has died away, and the whole superior portion of the world is predisposed to following in the apostles' footsteps.  He appeared to those who were fishing, and, by appearing to them aided them by his divine goodness; he will also be present to us when we are taking care of the necessities of our lives here on earth with an upright intention, and he adds his benevolent help to our righteous labors.  He appeared to those who were reclining [at table]; he will also be present to us when, in accordance with the apostle's suggestions, whether we eat or drink, or whatever else we do, we do all for the glory of God.  

Saint Bede the Venerable

-Saint Bede (735) was an English Benedictine monk, a biblical scholar, and the first English historian.