2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
The Sundays after Easter draw us deeper into the mystery of Christ. On this second Sunday, we read of two encounters with the risen Lord. Thomas is the most “famous” part of the story, but there’s so much more.
The fear-filled disciples, gathered in hiding, experienced Jesus in a new way that Sunday; he appeared to them as the risen Lord. He didn’t knock on the door. He simply appeared in their midst with his wounded hands reaching out to them, his side clearly visible. It was the crucified Lord revealing the signs of his victory. They froze as they gazed in awe. Then, one by one, he went up to them, wrapped his arms around them, and embraced them as he breathed on them. Each one gasped as they felt his warm, moist breath. It was no ordinary breath of air that entered their lungs; it was the breath of resurrection. They were filled with hope, with strength, with a profound peace.
Jesus left as he appeared – in an instant. They stood in silence. Then, one spoke, then another, and another until the room echoed with their voices. Thomas wasn’t with them for the event. Later, as he knocked on the door, he could hear the clamor inside. Someone opened the door. “Thomas, we’ve seen the Lord!” What could they have experienced – everyone was so strange. They were talking foolishness. “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands…I will not believe.”
The following Sunday, Thomas was with the group when the crucified Lord appeared once again. “Thomas, put your finger here and see my hands…believe. Then Jesus looked past Thomas into the distance. “Blessed are those who have not seen and believed.”
Let Us Pray:
This Sunday, we pray. Crucified Lord, risen Lord, breathe on me. Breathe away the fear, the hesitation, the doubt.
