Jerome Pistoni
REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL OF THE 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
The second Sunday of Easter is characterized by the absence of normality. In fact, the disciples are still under shock. Jesus is no longer with them. He was murdered, died and resurrected. Even the resurrection is not yet understood. On this second Sunday, the Scriptures reveal several areas in which the resurrection of Jesus brings new challenges to the community of disciples in disarray. Firstly, the risen Lord dispels the fear of the disciples who were locked up for fear of the Jews. They feared to undergo the same fate of Jesus, that is the crucifixion. However, in this special moment when they are locked up, they continue to pray. The appearing of Jesus brings confusion in their understanding of the new event. The risen Jesus has power over the physical matter. Jesus appears to them even when all doors are closed and locked. Secondly, Jesus brings the Holy Spirit. He transmits his Spirit to his disciples by breathing on them. God created man and breathed in him his spirit. Jesus recreates humanity and gives them the breath of God. Following that, he gives them a mission, that is, to forgive people’s sins. The Second Sunday of Easter is named Divine Mercy Sunday as a result of this mission. The apostles are given the same power and the same mission of Jesus which is to reconcile people with God and with one another. Thirdly, Thomas who was not present at the time when Jesus appeared, was challenged. In his absence the event of the apparition of Jesus took place and all this has brought into question his convictions. Challenged by the report about the resurrected Jesus who appeared to the apostles, Thomas requires some elements of proof so that he might believe. This request received an answer eight days later when Jesus appeared again in the room where the apostles were locked. Thomas is lucky because he has the chance to see Jesus and then believe. However, Jesus invites all other people to believe in him without seeing him. That is the case of all of us today. This gospel passage gives us some interesting lessons today. In our context of coronavirus where fear and lockdown are spread throughout the whole world, many people are in disarray and wonder where God is. What has the world done to God for him to punish all in this way? In a context in which the dead are counted by thousands in the developed countries, the question of the future of humanity is on the table. Sierra Leone that in the past has undergone various similar disasters, needs to be ready to face this threat. The very words of Jesus re-echo today in our hearts: Peace be with you”. Let the peace of the Lord accompany our world at this time of trouble. As he is Lord and master of the universe, let us invoke his presence among us. In this moment of general lockdown, let us take time to pray to God through Jesus. As ministers of the word and of the Eucharist, let us also put at the centre of our ministry the divine mercy entrusted to us by our Lord Jesus. And so we will rise again from this sickness and have a new life.
REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL OF THE 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
The second Sunday of Easter is characterized by the absence of normality. In fact, the disciples are still under shock. Jesus is no longer with them. He was murdered, died and resurrected. Even the resurrection is not yet understood. On this second Sunday, the Scriptures reveal several areas in which the resurrection of Jesus brings new challenges to the community of disciples in disarray. Firstly, the risen Lord dispels the fear of the disciples who were locked up for fear of the Jews. They feared to undergo the same fate of Jesus, that is the crucifixion. However, in this special moment when they are locked up, they continue to pray. The appearing of Jesus brings confusion in their understanding of the new event. The risen Jesus has power over the physical matter. Jesus appears to them even when all doors are closed and locked. Secondly, Jesus brings the Holy Spirit. He transmits his Spirit to his disciples by breathing on them. God created man and breathed in him his spirit. Jesus recreates humanity and gives them the breath of God. Following that, he gives them a mission, that is, to forgive people’s sins. The Second Sunday of Easter is named Divine Mercy Sunday as a result of this mission. The apostles are given the same power and the same mission of Jesus which is to reconcile people with God and with one another. Thirdly, Thomas who was not present at the time when Jesus appeared, was challenged. In his absence the event of the apparition of Jesus took place and all this has brought into question his convictions. Challenged by the report about the resurrected Jesus who appeared to the apostles, Thomas requires some elements of proof so that he might believe. This request received an answer eight days later when Jesus appeared again in the room where the apostles were locked. Thomas is lucky because he has the chance to see Jesus and then believe. However, Jesus invites all other people to believe in him without seeing him. That is the case of all of us today. This gospel passage gives us some interesting lessons today. In our context of coronavirus where fear and lockdown are spread throughout the whole world, many people are in disarray and wonder where God is. What has the world done to God for him to punish all in this way? In a context in which the dead are counted by thousands in the developed countries, the question of the future of humanity is on the table. Sierra Leone that in the past has undergone various similar disasters, needs to be ready to face this threat. The very words of Jesus re-echo today in our hearts: Peace be with you”. Let the peace of the Lord accompany our world at this time of trouble. As he is Lord and master of the universe, let us invoke his presence among us. In this moment of general lockdown, let us take time to pray to God through Jesus. As ministers of the word and of the Eucharist, let us also put at the centre of our ministry the divine mercy entrusted to us by our Lord Jesus. And so we will rise again from this sickness and have a new life.