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

Belief

Three sentences from Sunday’s gospel stand out for me when reflecting on the readings. The first are the words of Jesus as he makes himself present to the disciples who are hiding out of fear after Jesus’ death and burial – “Peace be with you.” Jesus penetrates their fear with those words. Those words are not only spoken to the disciples but to us as well. There are times in our lives when anxiety, fear, confusion and other negative emotions hinder our personal wholeness and our relationship with God. We need to listen with ears of faith as the words, “Peace be with you” are spoken to us. We may not have the visible presence of Jesus standing before us but his presence is just as real as it was to the disciples if only we allow our faith to be deep and present. Sometimes that faith is a matter of the will. Sometimes it is a feeling within us that God is with us. Sometimes it is an intuition that we are not alone. Regardless of the form our faith takes, it is essential to our belief in the risen Christ.

The second sentence is Thomas’ response to believing in Jesus’ presence with the words, “My Lord and my God!” He is often called the Doubting Thomas because he would believe Jesus was alive only with physical proof. How like many of us. Touching Jesus’ wounds might have influenced his profession of faith with the words “My Lord and my God,” but even more so, with Jesus’ invitation to him to believe. Acknowledging our own wounds, whether physical, mental or spiritual is important to our own healing process. Today is Divine Mercy Sunday that reminds us that God’s loving mercy is always available to us if we desire it. Jesus, who was mortally wounded, is the divine risen Christ who always invites us to be healed of all the wounds within us. 

The third sentence are the words Jesus speaks to Thomas –“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Those words are spoken to all of us. We do not have the benefit of seeing the physical Jesus but we are all called to believe the risen Christ is with us. Most of us would admit to having struggles and doubts in our lives. That is part of being human. What is helpful is to believe that Christ is with us just as he was present to Thomas. The key is to believe that Jesus is always with us. We are not alone. We are not in control of our own lives.  Instead, we are called to continual growth as God’s loving creation, called to become the best women and men we are capable of becoming. Hopefully, we have the courage and faith to say as Thomas did, “My Lord and my God!”

Following Jesus’ resurrection and the Spirit’s gifts upon the new community of believers, a new way of being together became an example for Christians of all ages. Take some time to reflect on Sunday’s first reading from Acts 4:32-35. Reflect on the contrast between the early Christans and how society lives today.

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ peace? Are there ways you are blocking that peace?

Are you courageous and faith filled enough to honestly say “My Lord and my God!”

How hard is it for you to believe without proof? How can you deepen your faith?