when we don't recognize Jesus

In the One Year Bible reading for today, we see these verses:

2 SAMUEL 18:1-19:10
JOHN 20:1-31
PSALM 119:153-176
PROVERBS 16:14-15

In John, we read about Mary coming to Jesus's tomb. He's not in it, since He rose from the dead just like He said He would. When she turns around and sees Jesus, she doesn't recognize Him. This is probably at least partially because she wasn't expecting it to be Him. 

Jesus appears to you and me every day. In the faces of our neighbors, who need our friendship. Our family, who need our love. And most especially in the poor. Jesus said what we do to the least of these, we do to Him. 

But most of the time we don't recognize Him in these faces. And a big reason why is because we don't expect to see Him there. 

Let's change that. Let's go into our days EXPECTING to see Jesus in the faces of those around us. Let's treat them, especially the poor, with the love, respect, and help that we would surely give Jesus if we found Him in that situation. 

God, thank You for reminding us to expect to see You throughout our days... and to love You when we do.