Date: Sunday, April 12, 2015
Did you notice the change in the first reading? We are shifting from readings in the Hebrew Scripture or the Old Testament to the Acts of the Apostles. St. Luke, the author, gives us an ideal summary statement of what is happening in the church in Jerusalem: believers are sharing all their goods, are following the leadership of the apostles and are witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We may look back with regret that we are not doing the same but we must read on in the Acts of the Apostles. Indeed, we find that some did not share their personal possessions and there were divisions and disagreements. St Luke gives us a snapshot of moments of harmony and fidelity and the realistic recollections of believers falling short of what they were called to be as followers of the way. For us, who fall short, we are comforted by the Letter of St. John. Jesus “coming in water, blood and spirit” is a reference to when Jesus dies on the cross. Jesus gives up his spirit. When his side is pierced, blood and water flow out. We are beneficiaries. Blood and water are the sacramental life of the church infusing healing and forgiveness. The spirit of Jesus empowers us, even with our failures, to build up the Body of Christ. We can identify with Thomas. He refuses to believe but then makes a profound statement of faith: “My Lord and my God.” People will sometimes confess doubt as a sin. But I remind them of St. Thomas and how doubting can be part of the dynamic of believing. There is truth in the saying: “benefit of the doubt!” Some will confess doubt in God forgiving them. I assure them that in God justice and mercy meet. God is mercy itself. Today on Divine Mercy Sunday let us avail ourselves of God’s mercy in Jesus Christ. We are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. We can rejoice that girls and boys on Saturday morning received the Sacrament of Penance.