John 20, 19-31:
Sunday, 16th April 2023 (2nd T P P A)
Sunday. First day of the week. The group of believers is gathered together, and the newly risen Jesus is present in their midst. He gives them his peace, communicates his Spirit to them, and sends them forth as the Father sent him, with power to forgive. They are filled with joy and tell others that they have seen the Lord. Some are not present and do not believe it. They need to see and touch to believe.
Today is Sunday, the Lord’s Day. From the earliest days of Christianity, the Acts of the Apostles tell us that “they all went to the temple together, broke bread and ate together, praising God with gladness and with all their hearts”. United not only by their physical presence, but by their common faith. Full of joy. And it is our faith that brings about the presence of the Risen Lord in our lives (When two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst). He will give us peace, his Spirit and the ability to forgive us. And He will send us out into the world.
Am I aware of what is happening, what I am celebrating, when I celebrate Sunday Mass? With what encouragement do I go to the celebration? Do I, like St. Thomas, need other palpable signs? Is the faith of the community, of the group of believers, a support for my doubts? Do I leave the celebration full of joy?
May the presence of the Risen One, the Lord of Life, give impetus to our faith and fill us with hope.
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
How is your faith?
