2nd Sunday of Easter (Cycle A, Year I)
Community Word:
The glory of God shines to those who truly believe.
Theme:
The glory of God shines through us when the peace of Christ lives in our heart.
Promise:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (Jn 20:29b)
Reflection:
Fear, guilt, anxiety. These are some emotions that the disciples may have felt as they locked themselves in the “upper room” after Jesus died. There was “fear” in their hearts, being afraid that the Jews might discover their hiding place, arrest them and let them suffer the same fate as their master. They could have felt “guilty” upon hearing about Jesus resurrection, for they were not ready to face their Friend whom they betrayed and abandoned to suffer and die alone. Their hearts were also “anxious” to see their Teacher and confirm that Jesus has indeed come back to life as He promised. They were very eager to meet Him again and to ask forgiveness for their unfaithfulness.
But while they were still trying to look for alibis and reasons of their infidelity, Jesus appeared in their midst. All were awed and silent, waiting for Him to rebuke them for what they did. Instead, what they heard immediately calmed their fears and apprehensions down. They heard his comforting words – “Peace be with you!”(Jn 20:19). His words assured them that they are not rejected or condemned, but forgiven – a promised of renewed relationship with God.
We, too, might be feeling afraid, worried and troubled right now and hiding ourselves in the locked doors of our hearts. The Lord is telling us – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives,” (Jn 14:27).The peace of Christ is not like the ambivalent peace of this world that depends on prevailing favorable circumstance and then quickly disappears when things go wrong. Jesus invites us to receive the perfect peace, the Holy Spirit, who gives new breath of life, empowerment, courage and joy to live our coming days in the glory of His resurrection shining through us, as His faithful followers.
As St. Paul affirms: God’s peace “is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand,”(Phil 4:7). For many, it will remain a mystery why true believers remain serene in the midst of danger, tranquil in times of uncertainty, and still even in the strongest storm of life. Only faithful believers understand this essential dimension of perfect peace which encompasses not only communion with God, His intimacy and blessings, but also unimpeded flow of divine love and compassion that unites and reconciles us with others as well.
Our faith should be inspired by the lives of the apostles after they encountered the Risen Christ and their relationship, once broken by doubt and unbelief, was restored. Their conversion, their boldness and courage in proclaiming that Jesus, the Messiah, has risen, amidst threats to their lives, are manifestations of God’s peace reigning in their hearts. The testimonies of God’s work, His love and joy, are fundamental signs and wonders enough to boost our wavering faith. As children of Easter, our faith must be founded on the Father’s great love and perfect will for us. This allows us to fully experience the gift of peace that Jesus offersand the blessings that accompany it. Then, we will see the realization of God’s promise in the resurrection of Christ – “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed,”(John 20:29b).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and won for us a new life and power over sin. Continue to draw us near you, to grow in the knowledge of your great love for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and strengthen our faith in your promises. Bring peace and tranquility into our heartsamidst fear, doubt and anxiety. Give us the eyes of faith to see you in your glory and allow us to live by faith and not by sight. Amen
Reflection Questions:
1. What actions are you taking to overcome the challenges and struggles in your life that are presently taking away the peace in your heart?
2. What spiritual activities are you doing to nourish and further increase your faith?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
April 23, 2017 (Sun) – Acts 2:42-47/Ps 118:2-4,13-15,22-24/1Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31
April 24, 2017(Mon)- Acts 4:23-31/Ps 2:1-3, 4-9/Jn 3:1-8
April 25, 2017(Tues)- 1 Pt 5:5-14/Ps 89:2, 3, 6, 7, and 16, 17/Mk 16:15-20
April 26, 2017(Wed) – Acts 5:17-26/Ps 34:2-9/Jn 3:16-21
April 27, 2017 (Thur)-Acts 5:27-33/Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20/Jn 3:31-36
April 28, 2017 (Fri)-Acts 5:34-42/Ps 27:1, 4, 13, 14/Jn 6:1-15
April 29, 2017 (Sat) – Acts 6:1-7/Ps 33 1-2, 4, 5, 18-19/Jn 6:16-21
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
