Homilies

2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER: PEACE, THE FIRST GIFT OF THE RESURRECTION

AFTER THE DEATH OF JESUS, the disciples were dominated by crippling fear that they have locked themselves inside the room. They were afraid of the Jews. They probably thought that if something so horrible as the crucifixion happened to their Master, they would certainly not be spared. That was the beginning of their realization that following the way of their Master will never be easy and comfortable because it would end up on the cross. Contemplating on the event that took place in Jerusalem, the risen Christ suddenly came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you!” “The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” (vv.19, 20)

What a great gift to a broken self! What an assurance of acceptance and forgiveness! Perhaps one of the reasons why they were hiding aside from fear was their feeling of shame and guilt for not standing with the Lord, for abandoning Him at the moment that the Lord needs them most. And when the Lord appears to them without a single blame, nor words of disappointment but the consoling and relieving words of assurance and peace, they were overjoyed and strengthened to embark on the mission the Lord has commanded them to do. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (v. 21)

The message of Peace was given three times on this gospel pericope. Jesus must have sensed that this is what the disciples need most in order to be liberated from their fear. A kind of peace that the world cannot give, a peace that comes from a realization of being unconditionally loved in spite of human imperfection that each one shares. Thomas has his own share of doubt and unbelief. “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe”(v. 25). The Lord’s appearance and his message of peace, however, was more than enough to cast away all doubts and fear that led to his personal confession, “My Lord and my God.” Thomas did not only see it with his eyes but also see it with his heart in the eyes of faith. We may not see Jesus perform his miracles, we may not hear Jesus preach the good news and teach his countrymen, we may not see the empty tomb and his subsequent apparition, yet we have seen him truly alive and present in our experiences, in his recorded accounts, and in the sacraments of the church that we as a believing community celebrate. “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (v. 29)

Like the disciples of Jesus, we all have a share of our own guilt and imperfection. At times, they powerfully control and dictate our words and actions keeping us out from the periphery of God’s marvelous love. Knowing that the divine mercy is poured out indiscriminately, there is no reason to sulk in our weaknesses that somehow discourage us from moving forward; there is no more reason to hide in intimidation due to negative self-concept. As we celebrate on the Second Sunday of Easter the outpouring of the Divine Mercy, let us rejoice and praise God for his tremendous and unconditional love. What more can we ask for as gift from the Lord than the experience of inner peace brought about by God’s grace of Compassion and Mercy which is concretized on the cross, and confirmed by his Resurrection.  God bless us all beloved children of God!

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