SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Dear Parishioners,

The first words of Jesus after his Resurrection were “Peace be with you!” as he showed them his hands and his pierced side. The PEACE of JESUS is so special. It includes what we celebrate today and everyday – DIVINE MERCY.

Jesus was speaking to his disciples who were in total fear and confusion. Their Master was killed in a most terrible death; the authorities could be on the look-out for his followers – hence the locked room. Only Thomas had the courage to step outside the door. He had serious doubts that Jesus could be alive – he couldn’t accept the message from his fellow disciples. He had to see for himself and prove that Jesus had risen. He is an example of all of us, as we try to understand the mystery of the Resurrection. Notice how patient Jesus is with Thomas. He doesn’t give out to him. He gently leads him to the truth that He is really risen from the dead.

Thomas is reminded, as we are by Jesus: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Jesus is able to give him, Peace, Mercy, Forgiveness and Faith to those who trust in him.

Let us put it another way. The disciples of Jesus had the privilege of knowing Jesus as he walked the roads of Palestine. They saw, heard and touched him and were touched by him. They saw his ministry at work: preaching, healing, forgiving, challenging, praying, eating, celebrating, struggling, suffering and dying. He was revealing himself to them, but so often they did not understand him and were constantly puzzled and confused. At the time they did not understand. They had to wait for something else. This “something else”, was the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit coming into their lives. Jesus had told them (Jn14:26)

“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you EVERYTHING and REMIND you of all I have said to you.” There we have it! Through the new eyes of faith, a whole new world is appearing before them. Their eyes and minds are opened afresh to grasp the wonders Jesus has promised them.

We fall in for that same inheritance. We too need to have our minds, eyes and hearts opened during this Easter Season Let us listen to the messages from scriptures; let us reflect and meditate once again on the words we have heard so often. We open ourselves to the Good News of Jesus and his Resurrection once more.

ACTION: Each day, not just Divine Mercy Sunday, we can ask and pray for God’s forgiveness, knowing that he is full of compassion and love for us. We pray too, that we can be forgiving to others and let his mercy flow through us also. He is risen and with us every step of our journey in life.

Have a blessed Easter Season

Fr Joe