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Meditation: Acts 2:42-47

2nd Sunday of Easter or Sunday of Divine Mercy

Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. (Acts 2:43)

“Miracles.” What does this word bring to mind for you? Spectacular healings? Multiplication of food? Suspension of the laws of nature? Signs and wonders relegated to biblical times? As Catholics, we have living proof that miracles are not things of the past. Every time a new saint is canonized, we are reminded that miracles still happen. We see in these saints evidence of God breaking into our world and transforming people in concrete ways!

Today we celebrate the canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, two modern-day examples of God’s power to perform miracles—and not just the physical healings that have been attributed to their intercession. Who could deny the miracle of John XXIII opening the Church to the modern world and speaking timeless truths in a new way to a world that desperately needed it? Countless lives were changed around the globe because of what he did. Countless people—unbelievers as well as believers—stood in awe of how vital the Church is and how active a role it can play in the world.

And who could not but stand in awe of the largely bloodless way that the walls of communism came down during the papacy of John Paul II? Or think of the lives that were touched when they saw him forgive the assassin who tried to kill him. The world looked on in amazement!

As we are inspired by the lives of these two holy popes, we know there’s always more of God’s mercy. Even now, two thousand years after Christ’s birth, we see just the beginnings of how God wants to inspire awe in the world! So together let’s celebrate Sts. John XXIII and John Paul II—and let’s keep expecting miracles!

“Thank you, Father, for the lives of John Paul II and John XXIII. Thank you for touching the world through their witness. May their lives continue to move people to love you as they did.”

Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31)

1. In the first reading from Acts we see the vibrancy of the early church, and as a result, “every day the Lord added to their numbers those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). What were some of the characteristics of the early church that caused it to attract so many people? Which ones would really benefit the Church today, and what steps can you take to help bring them into your local parish?

2. The message of the responsorial psalm is one of hope and trust in the Lord, especially in times of trouble. Why do you believe the psalmist was so filled with joy and confidence that he could exclaim, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” (Psalm 118:24). What can you do to make this your disposition each morning when you first wake up?

3. The second reading from 1 Peter is also one of joy in the midst of trials and suffering. How would you describe the basis of this joy for Christians? How often do you reflect on these in your times of prayer or during the day? If you were to increase these times of reflection, what impact would it have on how you lived out your day? What simple steps can you take to cause this to happen?

4. The Gospel reading contrasts the joy of the disciples when they “saw the Lord” with the doubts of the apostle Thomas. After appearing to Thomas, Jesus goes on to say that, “Blessed are those who have not seen and believe” (John 20:29). In what way has the risen Lord revealed the truth of who he is to you so that you are able to say, “My Lord and my God”?

5. The meditation opens with these words: “’Miracles.’ What does this word bring to mind for you?” How would you answer this question?

6. The meditation goes on to say that “Every time a new saint is canonized, we are reminded that miracles still happen.” What does this mean to you? How does it apply to the canonization of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II?

7. Take some time now to pray and thank the Lord for the witness that John XXIII and John Paul II are to the Church and to the whole world. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

A Christian Pilgrim

THOMAS WAS THE ONLY ONE BOLD ENOUGH …

(A biblical refection on SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, 27 April 2014)

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47; Psalms: Psalm 118:2-4,13-15,22-24; Second Reading:1Peter 1:3-9

The Scripture Text
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:19-31 RSV)

It is said that truth is stranger than fiction, and the disciples’ story to Thomas is a classic example. “Guess what, Thomas? Jesus isn’t dead anymore! In fact, He showed up here, wounds and all, while you were out!” Then a week went by with nothing – no sign of Jesus. If you were Thomas, would you have believed such a tall tale?

Thomas wasn’t asked only to believe that Jesus rose from the dead. He could only base his belief upon the testimony of others. No wonder Thomas asked for more evidence. Thomas was no coward. In fact, he seems to have been the only disciple to go beyond their locked doors to face a hostile world. No, he had to be sure about his choice to risk his life for a crucified Messiah. Some of the other disciples also had doubts, but Thomas was the only one bold enough to ask to touch Jesus’ wounds. We often focus on the way Jesus chided Thomas for his unbelief, but we also need to remember that Jesus answered Thomas’s request! He revealed Himself, and ultimately Thomas believed.

In a way, we are in a similar position as Thomas. We too have to trust other people’s ancient testimony about Jesus. Such trust is important, but it is not enough. We also need to “see” Jesus for ourselves so that our faith will spring to life in a transforming way. We need to be convinced in our hearts as well as in our heads.

Jesus is eager to reveal Himself to us, even if it is not in the physical way He did for Thomas. If we unlock our minds and hearts, He can show Himself to us through His creation or through the kindness of others. Anything is possible when we are open to His presence! We will know our hearts are being stirred when we join with Thomas and cry out: “My Lord and my God!”

Prayer: Jesus, glorious risen Lord, I open my heart to you. Flood every corner of darkness and doubt with the light of Your truth. Blessed and holy are You! Amen.