Second Sunday of Easter (Cycle “C”) – “Divine Mercy” Sunday
Q. 419: There are so many things that are hard to believe without proof. Can anything be harder than believing someone rose from the dead? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
April 15, 2007
A. 419: This is a powerful gospel reading today, full of Good News (John 20:19-31). It speaks of being “sent” to spread the Good News; of the transferred power to forgive sins; of the difficulty some have in believing other witnesses without “proof” (e.g., Thomas); and the centrality of “faith” in this post-resurrection era. All four things are closely related.
One can approach this gospel in several ways. The easiest is to think of it in “common sense” terms from a 21st century viewpoint. We are Catholics who truly believe that Jesus is risen and is the Son of God. We do not need to see this with our own eyes; we simply accept the witness of the apostles and believe – thanks to the gift of faith! It is this very belief that automatically transforms us into a forgiving people – we are called to imitate the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. As a believing and forgiving people, we are then sent to spread this Good News of the risen Christ, and the divine mercy of our God. Some are called to do this vocally; everyone is called to do this by the way we live our lives.
Jesus can transform all of our doubts into true belief, if we will let him. We must invite him into our lives, and ask him to “increase our faith.” The desire itself is the first step to being open to receive the gift of faith. The next step is to make that “leap” of trust, giving up our habit of trying to control the way things happen and simply depending on Jesus alone. Faith is an adventure which unfolds before us for the rest of our life – but now a life in his name!
Know Your Catechism! The risen Christ still bears the traces of his passion (nail marks), even though it is now a glorious body (CCC #645). Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily, for the Lord promised us (through St. Faustina) everything we ask that is compatible with His will (her Diary #1731; see also #1541).
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
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