By Fr. Andrew Kelly
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER – APRIL 7
The risen Jesus proclaims in Sunday’s Gospel (John 20:19-31): “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Thomas demanded: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in Jesus’ hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in Jesus’ side, I will not believe.”
Strange as it may seem, it is possible to “see” Jesus without seeing Jesus’ body. It has to do with “those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus formed a new community with a mission:
“‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When Jesus had said this, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
Today, when Jesus’ disciples are living Jesus’ mission of peace, reconciliation, justice and the compassionate embrace of the poor and sick, the disciples are acting like people “Who have seen the Lord.”
Others see these disciples in action. They begin to “see” Jesus in action. They “come to believe” in Jesus.
Truly: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
It is amazing what Alleluias mean and sound like when sung in faith anchored in God’s holy Word.
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
Scripture Readings for April 7-14
Sunday
Acts 5:12-16
Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
Jn 20:19-31
Monday
Is 7:10-14; 8:10
Heb 10:4-10
Lk 1:26-38
Tuesday
Acts 4:32-37
Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday
Acts 5:17-26
Jn 3:16-21
Thursday
Acts 5:27-33
Jn 3:31-36
Friday
Acts 5:34-42
Jn 6:1-15
Saturday
Acts 6:1-7
Jn 6:16-21
Sunday
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41
Rev 5:11-14
Jn 21:1-19 or Jn 21:1-14
