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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (A)
(Acts 2: 42-47, 1 Peter 1: 3-9, John 20: 19-31)
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter – on this “ Divine Mercy Sunday!”
First, in Acts, is described the wonderfully unique nature of the first Christian community. Then, in 1 Peter, it’s declared, that through the Father – and the Resurrection of Jesus – we have been given a new birth to a living hope; given an inheritance that is imperishable, undefined, and unfading kept in heaven for us, ready to be revealed in the final time – though for a little while the genuineness of our faith may be tested . May we then rejoice with an indescribable and glorious Joy having attained the goal of our faith; salvation!
Because of the Gospel we have just heard, this 2nd Sunday of Easter on which the story of Thomas is read, was long known as “Doubting Thomas Sunday”, and more recently as “Divine Mercy Sunday”. This Gospel, however, could well have been called – “The Transformation of Thomas”! Thomas, however, was not the only doubter! It is characteristic of all the accounts in which the witnesses of the Resurrection bear witness to their brethren – that this testimony is rejected! All the disciples had to see the risen Lord for themselves – before they could believe. In the Gospel of John, who alone relates the incident, the story of Thomas serves as a transition from the eye-witness of the disciples – to the Christians who come to believe without having seen the Lord. Thomas, however, once he believed, is unique in the quality of his affirmation of the divinity of the Lord (crucified, risen, and glorified). His words, “My Lord and my God”, the last to be spoken by a disciple in the original form of John’s Gospel – before Chapter 21 was added – is the most profound statement that can be made about Jesus: JESUS IS GOD ! This was a real confession of faith; only in a confession of faith is Jesus honored as God, by Thomas or anyone else!
John’s Gospel, which opened with the theme of creation – in the Prologue – concludes with the theme of a new creation; Just as in the first creation God breathed a living spirit into man, so, in the moment of the new creation, Jesus breathed his Own Holy Spirit into his disciples. This new creation overcomes evil, for the Spirit consecrates men and women and gives them the power to make others holy in turn.
We are told these priceless truths from the Scriptures today – and every day –that we might believe, and that we might act as believers, by doing, by living the acts of faith; namely – by loving one another, by being merciful to one another –as the Lord – Our Lord and our God- is loving and merciful to us.
As we prepare now, to receive his Body and Blood, let us make our own – the acclamation, the profession of Thomas : “My Lord and my God!” ALLELUIA!!!