Walking with Jesus: 2nd Sunday of Easter, Sunday of Divine Mercy

For Sunday, April 7, 2024

Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 5:1-6, John 20:19-31

There are so many interesting questions in today’s reading: How did the early Church strengthen and energize their faith? The early Christian community around Jerusalem, no doubt, “had everything in common … didn’t claim their own possessions just for themselves … took care of all the needy … even selling their homes, and the proceeds were given to the needy.” This is quite admirable, and St. Luke, the author of the Acts, adds: “There was no needy person among them.” [Acts 4:34] I’m sure this was an accurate snapshot but it wasn’t the case for the overall period. This was how the Resurrection experience challenged them to see how important it was to witness to Jesus ... to transform their lives by prioritizing those in need. This is a good time for our own spiritual self-analysis: Am I living the “Jesus way?” Certainly my faith doesn’t call on me to do the same ... or does it? Question/reflection: Do I realize that I, truthfully and honestly, own nothing because everything is a gift from God?

Our second reading begins with “our faith in Jesus” as our Savior and Redeemer. Do I realize that I was created for a purpose? That I have been chosen to be not just an ordinary human being, but one begotten of God … a person following the commandments — loving God? This is what it means to be chosen; it affects how we live. Am I living accordingly? Do I realize not only that people are looking at me, but also that God is depending on me to be a person of love? I return God’s love by being grateful, loving God and neighbor, and keeping God’s commandments. How am I doing? Is there any specific commandment I’m having problems with? Am I too wrapped up in myself? Do I need God’s help? Have I asked for this? Am I conquering those things that separate me from God? How can I live my faith in Jesus in this secular world that is opposed to God in so many ways? Looking at our faith specifically, is it strong enough to overcome this secular world? It is not only just a set of dogmas but also a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

The Gospel examines how one can fully believe in the risen Lord without having seen Him. Even the disciples have to make a leap of faith when they see Him. We have Jesus appearing twice to the apostles: once with Thomas not present and again when he is. Both times, they are all afraid. They have locked themselves on the second floor of a house very near the tomb of David, which implies that it is protected heavily by Jewish and temple guards. Jesus comes and, both times, offers words of peace. This is easy to say — but to believe? He offers this peace a second time; not just a peace gesture but Jesus’ own peace. What is this? We look to John 14:27 in the Last Supper address: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

Here's one more interesting question I think we spend too much time reflecting on — one that misses the central question and meaning of today’s feast of Divine Mercy:  Did Thomas actually put his hands and fist into Jesus’ wounds? Jesus constantly taught — and continues to help us — experience His invisible presence by helping us understand God’s plan of salvation in Him and in a world that continues to be in opposition to God. We see this in the meaning of today’s Gospel, where Thomas finally makes that leap of faith: “My Lord and my God.” [John 20:28] And Jesus responds: “Have you come to believe because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” [John 20:29] Jesus is bestowing a blessing on future generations and EACH OF US that FAITH, not SIGHT, matters. It is our belief in God — our trusting in Jesus’ message — reaffirmed repeatedly by His words and miracles and His ultimate sacrifice and proof of His love in His crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension. God loves us and has a place for each of us in heaven with Him and Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary, and all believers.

So I reflect on:

• We sometimes forget that the early Christian community was small; people were not abstract concepts but real persons, many known by name. The Church grew because of these people joining groups in their towns. Today we have a global church that discovers, shares and lives as caring Christians in love with the Lord and His Church.
• Divisions in our faith practices and rubrics plague today's community of believers. How can I bear witness to the Resurrection in ways that help transform lives and serve as icons of Christ among us? As ACTUAL recipients of God’s mercy and love, we are called to gratitude: That is the hallmark of our faith. Am I living in gratitude? Do other believers see this in me?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“Locked doors were not enough to prevent Jesus joining His disciples, who were held bound by their fears. His message of peace, combined with His showing them His hands and side, helped them to accept Him as real. Help us to open our minds and hearts to the wonder of new life that You offer and to the peace You alone can give.

“Thomas was always one to question. He had been caught out before, so he wanted physical proof. When given the evidence, he responded. We pray that the response of Thomas, saying, ‘My Lord and my God,’ may be true for us, too.”