SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, (C) - LOW SUNDAY
22nd April, 2001
Liturgical Resources by L O'Donnell
Homily: 'My Lord and my God'
In today’s Gospel from St. John, Thomas
(called the Twin) is in a crisis. His
world has deteriorated. He once
thought of himself as a brave person, ready to die with Jesus should they return
to Judea where the Jews were waiting to stone Jesus.
But when Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane, Thomas fled along with his
fellow disciples. However, the
disciples did not return back to Galilee, instead they hid themselves in
Jerusalem where they remained even after Jesus was crucified.
In was in that secret place that the Risen One found them and showed them
that he was really alive by letting them peruse the incisions made by the nails
on his hands and the sword in his side. Thomas
was not with the group! The case
probably is that he too wanted to ‘nurse his own wounds.’
When the group did find Thomas and they told him of the Good News
regarding Jesus’ Resurrection, Thomas did not believe them.
Nonetheless, he rejoined them and when Jesus appeared again – Thomas
was present.
This time, Jesus addresses the unbelief of Thomas; he is
aware of it all of the time, just as he is aware of our unbelief and lack of
faith. The fact that Jesus knew
this must have struck a cord with Thomas more than the marks he wanted to see.
However, Jesus is somewhat concerned with Thomas – aware of his own
‘wounds’ and doubts and failures. Knowing
that he is forgiven for his unbelief, Thomas collapses and cries out: “My
Lord and my God!”
Doubt is a human weakness and if allowed to linger, it can
destroy a person. Jesus, risen from
the dead, would not permit the disciples to be shattered by their doubts in him
and in themselves. And so he
appears to them and addresses Thomas, the one who spoke openly about his faith,
or should I say – doubt! In
this way, Thomas learns that Jesus is not a liar, moreover he is extremely true
to his word and his promises – and his love for him and his friends
(companions).
Being doubtful is part of the Human Condition, but need not
end in despair! It can be a journey
to a greater faith. For example:
how often have you been asked to do something you did not really want to do.
You doubted you could even do it. However,
you do it, and you do it well and eventually it becomes an interest of yours.
Some examples are: learning to drive; playing sport; becoming computer
literate; having a greater faith! We
doubt because things do not turn out according to our expectations.
But if we have trust, confidence and hope, we will find out that God
makes all things serve a purpose. Exactly
this is the experience of Thomas in the Gospel.
St. Gregory the Great casts some light on this.
He says: “In a marvellous way, God’s mercy arranged that the
disbelieving disciple, in touching the wounds of his master’s body, should
heal our wounds of disbelief. The
disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other
disciples.”
We hear that John, looking at the Gospel again, has
recorded the signs in his Gospel so we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God. And, believing, we will
have life in his name. The Gospel
is not and never was a book for private study, but is to be
proclaimed in the assembly, sharing our faith story.
This is what we see in the Acts of the Apostles Reading: the assembly of
the faithful meet in the temple for prayer and in their homes for the breaking
of bread. We, like them are also a
‘Faith Community’ and we should profess the faith that we have throughout
this Easter Season. Very generally,
does John (the writer of the Book of Revelations) in the Second Reading see
Jesus as the victorious one who lives forever.
If this were not so, then we would not be gathered on this Low Sunday
celebrating that ‘Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come
again!’
I’d like to end by looking at one specific line from the
Gospel, which we should try and take into action during this Season:
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” This has a Threefold meaning.
First, Jesus needs the Church. He needs you and me. Jesus came with a message for everybody. If his message of love and hope is to reach the corners of the earth, the Church must speak for Jesus. Jesus is, in many respects, somewhat dependant upon us. Second, the Church needs Jesus. A messenger needs a message to carry. Our message is Jesus and is also one the Church turns to in times of doubt, difficulty and / or confusion. Without Jesus the Church has no message, and no power! We, therefore depend upon Jesus also. Third, as Jesus’ relation to God was one of obedient love, so too the Church’s relation to Jesus is one of obedient love. Jesus could be God’s messenger because he has rendered God perfect obedience and love. Jesus does not leave the Church on its own. He recreates it, he recreates us, by the Holy Spirit, completely equipped to speak, act, and represent him to the world. Our Easter conquest is just that: as God sent Jesus to tell people about the Good News, likewise we must tell others about Jesus and the Good News. Even in times of doubt we can still undertake this by challenging ourselves and saying: “My Lord and My God!”
Prayer of the Faithful: 2nd Sunday of Easter, (C)
22nd April, 2001
Priest: Striving to call you both 'Lord and God' as we reflect upon our belief; we ask the Father to pray for us as we place our needs, and those of the whole world before him.
Announcer: The Response to 'Lord in your Mercy' is Hear our Prayer.
For John Paul II our Pope, and all who lead the Church: that they may be witnesses to faith and inspiration to others that we may live fully in the presence of Easter. Lord in your mercy.
For the spreading of the Good News throughout the world: that everybody may come to know and accept Jesus as their Lord and their God. Lord in your mercy.
For all who hold positions of local and national autonomy: that with God’s help they may strive to bring about freedom, peace, justice and unity in the world. Lord in your mercy.
For ourselves: that we may experience a deepening of faith in the Lord and so be strengthened for our life long journey. Lord in your mercy.
For those who have died and are now seated with God, in heaven: may their faith in the Resurrection lead them into eternal life. Lord in your mercy.
In England and Wales: We ask Mary, our Mother, to join her prayers with ours as we say: Hail Mary...
Priest: Jesus, raised from the dead, we offer you these prayers, knowing that you will always hear us and strengthen us. Help us all to value the faith we have gained through your Risen Self. Encourage us now to proclaim the Good News that we believe to those who do not yet believe. We make this pray through you Jesus, your Father, and the Holy Spirit i whom we are confident to say: 'My Lord and My God!' ... forever and ever. Amen.
(Comments to Luke at lodonnell@gtonline.net.)