For those of you who have no idea what or who I'm talking about, Susan Boyle is a 47 year old Scottish woman who appeared three years ago on a talent show on television. To say the least, Susan is not up to date with the latest fashion, nor is she very image conscious, at least from what we saw on the telly. Looking quite odd, she went out on to the stage, and was received with what can probably only be called revulsion. It seemed that there was no space for this woman in the world of image that showbusiness is. But then she opened her mouth and sang her song. Within five or ten seconds the audience were on their feet. Within seconds, she had allowed her talent to shine through and everyone recognised it almost immediately. Susan Boyle's story is a parable about recognition.
Today's Gospel is all about recognition. The two disciples tell of how they recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread. You and I are called to do the same.
We are caught in the world of image. When moments of recognition come along, they smash open the way to truth. And when we encounter truth, we can no longer be quiet. We can no longer be hushed up. We cannot help ourselves. We have no choice but to spread the Word. That was what happened to Susan Boyle. She took the internet by storm – she took the world by storm. Her story shows us the joy we get when we recognise something true. Her story also shows us that we need to use our talents and listen to the deepest call, dream and desire of our hearts. There, we too will find the joy that is talked about in the Gospel. It is the joy of forgiveness, the joy of being loved, the joy of having a home to go to.
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