Second Sunday of Easter

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed”

While Christians around the world sing Alleluias and celebrate the presence of the Risen Christ among us, we know that many sceptics deny that Jesus’ crucifixion was followed by his resurrection. Scepticism is alive and well in our society. Climate Change sceptics, especially, receive much media attention today.

The mystery of Jesus rising from the dead was an event that had a profound, transformative effect on the apostles and the early Church.  John’s Gospel describes the Risen Jesus visiting his apostles, who huddled behind locked doors. Their fear of the Jews changed to deep joy when Jesus said “Peace be with you”. He also gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit to forgive sins.

Thomas was absent from this visitation and was honest enough to confess to the other apostles his doubts about Jesus being alive.

• Can I be honest with myself or others in owning my own doubts or fears?

A week later, when Jesus returned to impart his gift of peace once more, Thomas is present and does not need to touch Jesus’ wounds to prove he is really alive. Thomas is overwhelmed with belief and recognition and makes his profound act of faith, “My Lord and my God”.  He became a changed man.  The Risen Jesus can change us as well if we believe.

The “transformative power of the Resurrection”  is also evident through the many miracles, the  “signs and wonders”  that were experienced in the early Church at the hands of the apostles. Luke’s descriptions in Acts show the apostles after Pentecost ‘on fire’ with their mission to proclaim the Risen Jesus, to heal the sick and forgive sin.

We, who have not seen the risen Christ, have also been empowered by the Holy Spirit and like Thomas we can proclaim in faith, My Lord and my God.  Ordinary people who believe in the Risen Jesus can make a difference in our world. They can become channels of Good News, hope and healing. We are challenged today to claim anew Christ’s Easter gift of peace and the Holy Spirit so that we might be those men and women of  faith whose love reaches out to the marginalised, the poor and the suffering  in our world.

• How do I nourish my belief in the Risen Jesus ?
• How does my faith help me become an instrument of healing in my local community and to those in need?

  Denise Sullivan OP