Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine
Mercy)
Lectionary: 43
Lectionary: 43
They devoted themselves
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone,
and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions
and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves
to meeting together in the temple area
and to breaking bread in their homes.
They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
R. (1) Give thanks to the
LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 21 PT 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
AlleluiaJN 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day
of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the
Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples
were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now, Jesus did many other signs in
the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Meditation: "Unless I
see - I will not believe"
Do
you know the joy of the resurrection? The Risen Lord Jesus revealed the glory
of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over a period of time. Even
after the apostles saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus'
appearance to the women, they were still weak in faith and fearful of being
arrested by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus appeared to them he offered
proofs of his resurrection by showing them the wounds of his passion, his
pierced hands and side. He calmed their fears and brought them peace, the peace
which reconciles sinners and makes us friends of God.
Live
and proclaim the Gospel of mercy in the power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus did something which only love and trust can do. He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to bring the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to the sending out of Jesus by his heavenly Father. Jesus fulfilled his mission through his perfect love and obedience to the will of his Father. He called his first disciples and he now calls each one of us to do the same. Just as he gave his first disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on each of us the same Holy Spirit who equips us with new life, power, joy, and courage to live each day as followers of the Risen Lord.
Jesus did something which only love and trust can do. He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to bring the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This sending out of the disciples is parallel to the sending out of Jesus by his heavenly Father. Jesus fulfilled his mission through his perfect love and obedience to the will of his Father. He called his first disciples and he now calls each one of us to do the same. Just as he gave his first disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on each of us the same Holy Spirit who equips us with new life, power, joy, and courage to live each day as followers of the Risen Lord.
The
last apostle to meet the resurrected Lord was the first to go with him to Jerusalem
at Passover time. The apostle Thomas was a natural pessimist. When Jesus
proposed that they visit Lazarus after receiving news of his illness, Thomas
said to the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with
him" (John 11:16). While Thomas deeply loved the Lord, he lacked
the courage to stand with Jesus in his passion and crucifixion. After Jesus'
death, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing from the other apostles. He
sought loneliness rather than fellowship in his time of trial and adversity. He
doubted the women who saw the resurrected Jesus and he doubted his own fellow
apostles.
Through
the gift of faith we recognize the Risen Lord and receive new life
When Thomas finally had the courage to rejoin the other apostles, the Lord Jesus made his presence known to him and reassured him that he had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in him. The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit that we may know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power of his resurrection. Do you believe in the good news of the Gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring you new life, hope, and joy?
When Thomas finally had the courage to rejoin the other apostles, the Lord Jesus made his presence known to him and reassured him that he had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in him. The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit that we may know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power of his resurrection. Do you believe in the good news of the Gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring you new life, hope, and joy?
"Lord
Jesus Christ, through your victory over sin and death you have overcome all the
powers of sin and darkness. Help me to draw near to you and to trust in your
life-giving word. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and strengthen my faith in your
promises and my hope in the power of your resurrection."
A
Daily Quote for the early church fathers: Touching the Flesh, He Invokes the
Word, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"But
when Jesus showed Thomas the very places where he had his doubts, Thomas
exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." He touched his flesh, he proclaimed
his divinity. What did he touch? The body of Christ. Was the body of Christ the
divinity of Christ? The divinity of Christ was the Word; the humanity of Christ
was soul and flesh. Thomas could not touch the soul, but he could perceive it,
because the body that had been dead was moving about alive. But that Word is
subject neither to change nor to contact, it neither regresses nor progresses,
neither fails nor flourishes, because in the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. That is what Thomas proclaimed. He
touched the flesh, he invoked the Word, because the Word became flesh
and dwelt among us." (excerpt from Sermon 145A)
2nd Sunday of Easter – Cycle A
(Divine Mercy Sunday)
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
Introduction
On April 30, 2000, His Holiness John Paul II, in response to the wishes of the Christian faithful, declared that “the Second Sunday of Easter henceforth throughout the Church will also be called Divine Mercy Sunday.” The desire for this celebration was expressed by Our Lord to Saint Faustina as can be found in her Diary (§699):”... My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession, and receive Holy Communion on this day shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment...”
1st Reading - Acts 2:42-47
The Acts (Deeds) of the Apostles were written by Saint Luke toward the end of the first captivity of Saint Paul in Rome, about 62 A.D. The earliest tradition of the Church concurs in attributing this inspired book to Saint Luke, author of the third gospel. This book, like the gospel, is dedicated to Theophilus, of whom we know nothing.
The Book of the Acts of the Apostles, sometimes lovingly referred to as the fifth gospel, relates: (1) the history of the early Church in Jerusalem and Antioch, and the history of Saint Peter until the year A.D. 42, when he left Jerusalem; and (2) the history of Saint Paul until his captivity in Rome in the Year A.D. 61.
Our reading today takes place immediately after Peter’s stirring address on the day of Pentecost when 3,000 were baptized. This is the first of three summary passages (Acts 4:32-37; 5:12-16) which outline the chief characteristics of the Christian community in Jerusalem: adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of religious life in the Eucharistic liturgy; a system of distribution of goods that led the wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the poor of the community required it; and continual attendance at the Temple.
42 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles
The instruction normally given new converts. This is not the proclamation of the gospel to non-Christians but a type of catechesis (which became more structured and systematic as time went on) aimed at explaining to the disciples the Christian meaning of sacred Scripture and the basic truths of faith which they had to believe and practice in order to attain salvation. Out of this grew the creedal statements of the Church.
and to the communal life,
Other translations have “fellowship”. The Greek word kiononia is used only here in Luke but is used 13 times in Saint Paul’s writings. The profound solidarity among the disciples resulted from their practice of faith and their appreciation of it as a treasure they all shared; a gift to them from the Father through Jesus the Christ. Their mutual affection enabled them to be detached from material things and to give up their possessions to help those in need.
to the breaking of the bread
This refers to the Eucharist and not just an ordinary meal. This was a special way the early Christians had of referring to the making and distribution of the sacrament of the Lord’s Body and Blood. From Pentecost onward the Mass and Eucharistic communion form the center of Christian worship.
and to the prayers.
What we have just seen, in this description of the very early Christian Church are the four elements of catechesis: The teaching of the apostles (the creed, the Profession of Faith); the communal life (the commandments, Life in Christ); the breaking of the bread (the sacraments, the Christian Mystery); and the prayers (Prayer). These four classical divisions of catechesis are reflected in the four major parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church today.
43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
This is the religious awe the disciples felt when they saw the miracles and other supernatural signs which the Lord worked through His apostles. A healthy type of fear, denoting respect and reverence for holy things, it can cause a great change of attitude and behavior in those who experience it.
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
The sharing referred to here was not a permanent communistic or socialistic kind of system. The more well-to-do Christians freely provided for those in need. Each of the disciples retained ownership of what property he had; by handing it over to the community they showed their charity.
46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area
In the early days of the Church the Temple was the center of Christian prayer and liturgy. The early Christians regarded it as God’s house, the house of the Father of Jesus the Christ. Although Christianity involved obvious differences from Judaism, for a while it was quite natural for them to maintain certain external aspects of the religion of their forefathers.
and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
The Temple was not the only place in Jerusalem where Christians met for prayer and worship. The reference to “their homes” reminds us that they did not have a building specially reserved for liturgical functions – they met in private homes. For financial as well as policy reasons (persecutions, etc.), it was not until the third century that buildings designed for liturgical purposes began to be erected.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
2nd Reading - 1 Peter 1:3-9
This first letter of Peter was written from Rome very probably around A.D. 63-64, given that it contains no references to the persecution unleashed by Nero after July 64. The letter is addressed to the Christians of Asia Minor – gentiles evangelized mainly by Saint Paul.
In this letter, Saint Peter seeks to console and strengthen the faith of Christians who are experiencing difficult times; this is quite in keeping with his role as head of the Church. This message (letter) which we will study as our second reading all through the Easter season, is a faithful reflection of the catechesis of apostolic times.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth
The spiritual rebirth of Christians to a new life is the main topic of this part. The form of this prayer is a blessing common in Jewish tradition (see Genesis 9:26). We are given this new birth by baptism (see John 3:5).
to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
This refers not only to the “living hope” but also to “new birth”
4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you
Notice the family covenant imagery. The promises made to Israel are seen as fulfilled also in the Christian Church. In the Old Testament, the inheritance is primarily the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 15:4). As opposed to the land, the New Covenant inheritance is imperishable; it is eternal life in the heavenly kingdom.
“An incorruptible inheritance must be an infinite one, since everything finite is corruptible. The inheritance of the first Adam was corrupted by sin, but the inheritance of the second Adam can never be touched by the stain of sin.” [Saint Hilary of Arles (ca. A.D. 428),
Commentary on 1 Peter]
“Our inheritance is imperishable because it is a heavenly life which neither age nor illness nor death nor plague can touch. It is undefiled because no unclean person can enter into it. It is unfading, because the heavenly blessings are such that even after long enjoyment of them the blessed never grow tired, whereas those who live in earthly luxury eventually have their fill of it and turn away from it.” [Saint Bede the Venerable (ca. A.D. 416), On 1 Peter]
5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
“Faith” has a wide range of meanings in 1st Peter. Here, it means that trust in God is essential for salvation. For those who have this faith, the security of their inheritance is like a land with strong military protection – it is guarded by God’s power.
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
Salvation, the goal of Christian faith, is presented as a future event. Not once saved, always saved, but a hope for eternal salvation.
6 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Once you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, the battle is just beginning. Your faith will be tested and refined (made pure) throughout your life so that when the end time comes, you will stand ready to accept your inheritance.
“Just as gold is tried by fire and becomes useful, so also you who live in the world are tried in it. So then, you who remain in it and pass through the flames will be purified. For just as gold casts off its dross, so also you will cast off all sorrow and tribulation, becoming pure and useful for the building of the tower.” [Hermas (ca. A.D. 140), The Shepherd, Visions 3,1]
8 Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls.
As the glory of Christ’s resurrection was preceded by His sufferings and death, the new life of faith that it bestows will be subjected to many trials while achieving its goal: the glory of the fullness of salvation at the coming of Christ.
Gospel - John 20:19-31
Having celebrated Jesus’ resurrection last week at Easter, we now hear of His first appearance to His apostles after that event.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week,
The first Easter Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. John wants to make it clear that this is the apostles’ first encounter with the risen Christ. Every resurrection account which is dated in the gospels occurs on a Sunday.
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,
After what had happened to Jesus, they feared for their lives.
Jesus came and stood in their midst
Through locked doors. Emphasizes the spiritual qualities of the resurrected body of Christ.
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Shalom
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
The showing of the wounds demonstrates that the Risen One is the Crucified One. Answers the question of “Where have they put him?”(John 20:2).
21 (Jesus) said to them again, “Peace be with you.
Shalom. This is also a promised gift in John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you”.
As the Father has sent me,
Jesus was sent to reconcile people with God and had the authority to forgive sins.
so I send you.”
Sent with the full authority of God. When you hear the bishop, you hear God speaking. “Apostle” means “one who is sent”.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them
An outward sign instituted by Christ. When God breathed on the clay, He breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:8). Here, Jesus is breathing life into His creation, the Church.
and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.
Receipt of the Holy Spirit is a grace; a grace which gives supernatural life. The Baltimore Catechism defines a sacrament as “an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.” What we have here is a sacrament in one verse.
23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
This is the power given to the Church to continue the judicial character of Christ in the matter of sin; a character of Jesus which so upset the Pharisees that they sought to kill him. This is the origin of the sacrament of penance, though it is equally true that the Church’s power over sin is also exercised in baptism and the preaching of the redemptive word. The apostles were not given the charism of clairvoyance; they must hear the sins if they are to know which to forgive and which to retain.
24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
The designation of “the Twelve” remains even though one of them has defected. Matthias will be selected by lot to replace Judas in forty days (Acts 1:16ff).
was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Doubting Thomas. How many today do not believe in the Real Presence because it fails the “duck test”?
26 Now a week later
Again on a Sunday
his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
Christ appears under the same circumstances as before.
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Again, a repeat of His previous appearance. Here and in verse 20 is the only explicit evidence from the Bible that Jesus was nailed rather than tied to the cross. Luke 24:39 implies that His feet were also nailed. The Second Sunday of Easter can be called Saint Thomas’ Easter since he was not present at the first appearance of the risen Lord.
28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Whether Thomas actually took Jesus up on His offer to probe the wounds is not stated but his response is the most complete affirmation of Christ’s nature to be found on the lips of anyone in the gospel. The combination of “Lord” and “God” is found in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) to translate the name of the God of Israel; it was also a combination used as a divine designation in the Greek world.
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
This blessing insists that all those Christians who have believed without seeing have a faith which is in no way different from that of the first disciples. Their faith is grounded in the presence of the Lord through the Spirit. A small number of very early manuscripts read “continue to believe” rather than “come to believe” suggesting that the audience consists of Christians whose faith is to be deepened by this reading.
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.
Other than appearing in a room with locked doors, there are no “signs” in this reading. This has led some commentators to suggest that this verse was originally the conclusion to the collection of miracles used by the evangelist. In that context Jesus’ resurrection would have been understood as the final “sign” of His relationship with the Father.
31 But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
This final verse summarizes the purpose of the gospel as having faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God as the source of eternal life. As Jesus said in John 6:29 “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent”. If you trust in God and not yourself, then you will do whatever He tells you – no matter how bizarre it may seem. “Eat My Flesh, drink My Blood”.
(Divine Mercy Sunday)
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
Introduction
On April 30, 2000, His Holiness John Paul II, in response to the wishes of the Christian faithful, declared that “the Second Sunday of Easter henceforth throughout the Church will also be called Divine Mercy Sunday.” The desire for this celebration was expressed by Our Lord to Saint Faustina as can be found in her Diary (§699):”... My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession, and receive Holy Communion on this day shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment...”
1st Reading - Acts 2:42-47
The Acts (Deeds) of the Apostles were written by Saint Luke toward the end of the first captivity of Saint Paul in Rome, about 62 A.D. The earliest tradition of the Church concurs in attributing this inspired book to Saint Luke, author of the third gospel. This book, like the gospel, is dedicated to Theophilus, of whom we know nothing.
The Book of the Acts of the Apostles, sometimes lovingly referred to as the fifth gospel, relates: (1) the history of the early Church in Jerusalem and Antioch, and the history of Saint Peter until the year A.D. 42, when he left Jerusalem; and (2) the history of Saint Paul until his captivity in Rome in the Year A.D. 61.
Our reading today takes place immediately after Peter’s stirring address on the day of Pentecost when 3,000 were baptized. This is the first of three summary passages (Acts 4:32-37; 5:12-16) which outline the chief characteristics of the Christian community in Jerusalem: adherence to the teachings of the Twelve and the centering of religious life in the Eucharistic liturgy; a system of distribution of goods that led the wealthier Christians to sell their possessions when the needs of the poor of the community required it; and continual attendance at the Temple.
42 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles
The instruction normally given new converts. This is not the proclamation of the gospel to non-Christians but a type of catechesis (which became more structured and systematic as time went on) aimed at explaining to the disciples the Christian meaning of sacred Scripture and the basic truths of faith which they had to believe and practice in order to attain salvation. Out of this grew the creedal statements of the Church.
and to the communal life,
Other translations have “fellowship”. The Greek word kiononia is used only here in Luke but is used 13 times in Saint Paul’s writings. The profound solidarity among the disciples resulted from their practice of faith and their appreciation of it as a treasure they all shared; a gift to them from the Father through Jesus the Christ. Their mutual affection enabled them to be detached from material things and to give up their possessions to help those in need.
to the breaking of the bread
This refers to the Eucharist and not just an ordinary meal. This was a special way the early Christians had of referring to the making and distribution of the sacrament of the Lord’s Body and Blood. From Pentecost onward the Mass and Eucharistic communion form the center of Christian worship.
and to the prayers.
What we have just seen, in this description of the very early Christian Church are the four elements of catechesis: The teaching of the apostles (the creed, the Profession of Faith); the communal life (the commandments, Life in Christ); the breaking of the bread (the sacraments, the Christian Mystery); and the prayers (Prayer). These four classical divisions of catechesis are reflected in the four major parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church today.
43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
This is the religious awe the disciples felt when they saw the miracles and other supernatural signs which the Lord worked through His apostles. A healthy type of fear, denoting respect and reverence for holy things, it can cause a great change of attitude and behavior in those who experience it.
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
The sharing referred to here was not a permanent communistic or socialistic kind of system. The more well-to-do Christians freely provided for those in need. Each of the disciples retained ownership of what property he had; by handing it over to the community they showed their charity.
46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area
In the early days of the Church the Temple was the center of Christian prayer and liturgy. The early Christians regarded it as God’s house, the house of the Father of Jesus the Christ. Although Christianity involved obvious differences from Judaism, for a while it was quite natural for them to maintain certain external aspects of the religion of their forefathers.
and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.
The Temple was not the only place in Jerusalem where Christians met for prayer and worship. The reference to “their homes” reminds us that they did not have a building specially reserved for liturgical functions – they met in private homes. For financial as well as policy reasons (persecutions, etc.), it was not until the third century that buildings designed for liturgical purposes began to be erected.
And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
2nd Reading - 1 Peter 1:3-9
This first letter of Peter was written from Rome very probably around A.D. 63-64, given that it contains no references to the persecution unleashed by Nero after July 64. The letter is addressed to the Christians of Asia Minor – gentiles evangelized mainly by Saint Paul.
In this letter, Saint Peter seeks to console and strengthen the faith of Christians who are experiencing difficult times; this is quite in keeping with his role as head of the Church. This message (letter) which we will study as our second reading all through the Easter season, is a faithful reflection of the catechesis of apostolic times.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth
The spiritual rebirth of Christians to a new life is the main topic of this part. The form of this prayer is a blessing common in Jewish tradition (see Genesis 9:26). We are given this new birth by baptism (see John 3:5).
to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
This refers not only to the “living hope” but also to “new birth”
4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you
Notice the family covenant imagery. The promises made to Israel are seen as fulfilled also in the Christian Church. In the Old Testament, the inheritance is primarily the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 15:4). As opposed to the land, the New Covenant inheritance is imperishable; it is eternal life in the heavenly kingdom.
“An incorruptible inheritance must be an infinite one, since everything finite is corruptible. The inheritance of the first Adam was corrupted by sin, but the inheritance of the second Adam can never be touched by the stain of sin.” [Saint Hilary of Arles (ca. A.D. 428),
Commentary on 1 Peter]
“Our inheritance is imperishable because it is a heavenly life which neither age nor illness nor death nor plague can touch. It is undefiled because no unclean person can enter into it. It is unfading, because the heavenly blessings are such that even after long enjoyment of them the blessed never grow tired, whereas those who live in earthly luxury eventually have their fill of it and turn away from it.” [Saint Bede the Venerable (ca. A.D. 416), On 1 Peter]
5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
“Faith” has a wide range of meanings in 1st Peter. Here, it means that trust in God is essential for salvation. For those who have this faith, the security of their inheritance is like a land with strong military protection – it is guarded by God’s power.
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
Salvation, the goal of Christian faith, is presented as a future event. Not once saved, always saved, but a hope for eternal salvation.
6 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Once you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, the battle is just beginning. Your faith will be tested and refined (made pure) throughout your life so that when the end time comes, you will stand ready to accept your inheritance.
“Just as gold is tried by fire and becomes useful, so also you who live in the world are tried in it. So then, you who remain in it and pass through the flames will be purified. For just as gold casts off its dross, so also you will cast off all sorrow and tribulation, becoming pure and useful for the building of the tower.” [Hermas (ca. A.D. 140), The Shepherd, Visions 3,1]
8 Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls.
As the glory of Christ’s resurrection was preceded by His sufferings and death, the new life of faith that it bestows will be subjected to many trials while achieving its goal: the glory of the fullness of salvation at the coming of Christ.
Gospel - John 20:19-31
Having celebrated Jesus’ resurrection last week at Easter, we now hear of His first appearance to His apostles after that event.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week,
The first Easter Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. John wants to make it clear that this is the apostles’ first encounter with the risen Christ. Every resurrection account which is dated in the gospels occurs on a Sunday.
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,
After what had happened to Jesus, they feared for their lives.
Jesus came and stood in their midst
Through locked doors. Emphasizes the spiritual qualities of the resurrected body of Christ.
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Shalom
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
The showing of the wounds demonstrates that the Risen One is the Crucified One. Answers the question of “Where have they put him?”(John 20:2).
21 (Jesus) said to them again, “Peace be with you.
Shalom. This is also a promised gift in John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you”.
As the Father has sent me,
Jesus was sent to reconcile people with God and had the authority to forgive sins.
so I send you.”
Sent with the full authority of God. When you hear the bishop, you hear God speaking. “Apostle” means “one who is sent”.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them
An outward sign instituted by Christ. When God breathed on the clay, He breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:8). Here, Jesus is breathing life into His creation, the Church.
and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.
Receipt of the Holy Spirit is a grace; a grace which gives supernatural life. The Baltimore Catechism defines a sacrament as “an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.” What we have here is a sacrament in one verse.
23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
This is the power given to the Church to continue the judicial character of Christ in the matter of sin; a character of Jesus which so upset the Pharisees that they sought to kill him. This is the origin of the sacrament of penance, though it is equally true that the Church’s power over sin is also exercised in baptism and the preaching of the redemptive word. The apostles were not given the charism of clairvoyance; they must hear the sins if they are to know which to forgive and which to retain.
24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
The designation of “the Twelve” remains even though one of them has defected. Matthias will be selected by lot to replace Judas in forty days (Acts 1:16ff).
was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Doubting Thomas. How many today do not believe in the Real Presence because it fails the “duck test”?
26 Now a week later
Again on a Sunday
his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
Christ appears under the same circumstances as before.
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Again, a repeat of His previous appearance. Here and in verse 20 is the only explicit evidence from the Bible that Jesus was nailed rather than tied to the cross. Luke 24:39 implies that His feet were also nailed. The Second Sunday of Easter can be called Saint Thomas’ Easter since he was not present at the first appearance of the risen Lord.
28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Whether Thomas actually took Jesus up on His offer to probe the wounds is not stated but his response is the most complete affirmation of Christ’s nature to be found on the lips of anyone in the gospel. The combination of “Lord” and “God” is found in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) to translate the name of the God of Israel; it was also a combination used as a divine designation in the Greek world.
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
This blessing insists that all those Christians who have believed without seeing have a faith which is in no way different from that of the first disciples. Their faith is grounded in the presence of the Lord through the Spirit. A small number of very early manuscripts read “continue to believe” rather than “come to believe” suggesting that the audience consists of Christians whose faith is to be deepened by this reading.
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.
Other than appearing in a room with locked doors, there are no “signs” in this reading. This has led some commentators to suggest that this verse was originally the conclusion to the collection of miracles used by the evangelist. In that context Jesus’ resurrection would have been understood as the final “sign” of His relationship with the Father.
31 But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
This final verse summarizes the purpose of the gospel as having faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God as the source of eternal life. As Jesus said in John 6:29 “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent”. If you trust in God and not yourself, then you will do whatever He tells you – no matter how bizarre it may seem. “Eat My Flesh, drink My Blood”.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, JOHN 20:19-31
(Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 1:3-9)
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, JOHN 20:19-31
(Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 1:3-9)
KEY VERSE: "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed" (v.29).
TO KNOW: On the evening of the resurrection, the disciples were gathered in fear behind locked doors. They were overjoyed when the Risen Lord appeared in their midst with a greeting of "peace" (Hebrew, Shalom). Just as God breathed life into Adam, the first living being (see Gn 2:7), the Son of God breathed the life-giving Spirit upon his disciples, sending them forth with the power to forgive sins. Thomas (called Didymus, meaning “twin”) was absent on this occasion and he refused to believe their testimony. His defiant words "unless I see" (Jn 20:25) came from one who knew Jesus as an intimate friend. A week later, the Risen Christ appeared again, and this time Thomas was present. When Thomas touched Christ's wounds, he declared Jesus to be his "Lord and God." Jesus told Thomas that those who believed in faith were more blessed than those who needed visible proof.
TO LOVE: Am I Thomas’ twin? Do I refuse to believe unless I see?
TO SERVE: My Lord and my God, help me to believe when my faith wavers.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
Sr. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, was God’s instrument to proclaim Divine mercy toward every human being. Sr. Faustina was inspired by a vision in which Jesus told her that a painting should be made of his image with the invocation "Jesus, I trust in you." She commissioned the painting in 1935. Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, then Archbishop of Krakow (later St. Pope John Paul II), began Sr. Faustina's process of beatification. At her canonization in 2000, the first saint in the new millennium, the Pope designated the Second Sunday of Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday. The Pope's final days coincided with the Church's preparation to celebrate the feast he described as flowing from Christ's "most profound mercy," and which the Lord himself established. Speaking of St. Faustina and the importance of the message contained in her Diary, the Pope call her "the great apostle of Divine Mercy in our time."
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
For recitation on a chaplet or ordinary rosary beads, begin with the Sign of the Cross. Continue by saying one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles Creed. Then on the OUR FATHER bead say the following words: "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." On the 10 HAIL MARY beads say: "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." Continue around the chaplet. In conclusion recite these words three times: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." End with the Sign of the Cross.
Sunday 19 April 2020
Second Sunday of Easter | Divine Mercy Sunday
Acts 2:42-47. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love is everlasting – Psalm 117(118):2-4, 13-15, 22-24. 1 Peter
1:3-9. John 20:19-31.
Eight days later, Jesus came again and stood among them
Today’s readings speak of the early church, where the people
were reeling from Christ’s death. They were doubting, yet they broke bread
together and shared things in common. The film The Mission documents
the Jesuit Missions to the Guarani people of Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia in
the mid-18th century. There is a scene where a young Jesuit brother is showing
around the cardinal who has been sent to investigate this work, and the
cardinal remarks with surprise how the Jesuits and the Guarani people share so
beautifully and communally. He implies that they are socialists. The young
Jesuit points out to the cardinal that this ‘was the practice of the early
Christians’. He does this quizzically, aghast that this man of the Church has
become so disconnected from the Gospel message that he finds their explicit
work of evangelisation unrecognisable. Today, may we remind ourselves today of
the early Christians, and remember the important work of evangelisation that
pertains to all of us.
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
Saint of the Day for April 19
(October 4, 1922 – April 28, 1962)
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| Painting of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla with her children | Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe | flickr |
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla’s Story
In less than 40 years, Gianna Beretta Molla became a pediatric
physician, a wife, a mother and a saint!
She was born in Magenta near Milano, the 10th of Alberto and
Maria Beretta’s 13 children. An active member of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society and a leader in the Catholic Action movement, Gianna also enjoyed
skiing and mountain climbing. She earned degrees in medicine and surgery from
the University of Pavia, eventually specializing in pediatrics. In 1952, Gianna
opened a clinic in the small town of Mesero, where she met engineer Pietro
Molla.
Shortly before their 1955 marriage, Gianna wrote to Pietro:
“Love is the most beautiful sentiment that the Lord has put into the soul of
men and women.” In the next four years the Mollas had three children:
Pierluigi, Mariolina, and Laura. Two pregnancies following ended in
miscarriage.
Early in her sixth pregnancy, doctors discovered that Gianna had
both a child and a tumor in her uterus. She allowed the surgeons to remove the
tumor but not to perform the complete hysterectomy that they recommended, which
would have killed the child. Seven months later in April 1962, Gianna Emanuela
Molla was born at the hospital in Monza, but post-operative complications resulted
in an infection for her mother. The following week, Gianna Molla died at home
in Mesero, where she was buried.
Gianna Emanuela went on to become a physician herself. Gianna
Beretta Molla was beatified in 1994 and canonized 10 years later.
Her Liturgical Feast Day is April 28.
Reflection
With great faith and courage, Gianna Molla made the choice that
enabled her daughter to be born. We can often wish that we were in different
circumstances, but holiness frequently comes from making difficult choices in
bad situations.
Lectio Divina: 2nd Sunday of Easter (A)
Lectio Divina
Sunday, April 19, 2020
The mission of the disciples and
the witness of Thomas the apostle John 20:19-31
the witness of Thomas the apostle John 20:19-31
1. Opening prayer
Father, who on the Lord’s day gather Your people to celebrate
the One who is the First and the Last, the living One who conquered death,
grant us the strength of Your Spirit so that, having broken the chains of evil,
calmed our fears and indecisions, we may render the free service of our
obedience and love, to reign in glory with Christ.
2. LECTIO
a) A key to the reading:
We are in the so-called “book of the resurrection” where we are
told, in a not-so-logical sequence, several matters concerning the risen Christ
and the facts that prove it. In the fourth Gospel, these facts take place in
the morning (20:1-18) and evening of the first day after the Saturday and eight
days later, in the same place and on the same day of the week. We are before an
event that is the most important in the history of humanity, an event that
challenges us personally. “If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is
useless and your believing it is useless… and you are still in your sins” (1Cor
15:14, 17) says Paul the apostle who had not known Jesus before His
resurrection, but who zealously preached Him all his life. Jesus is sent by the
Father. He also sends us. Our willingness to “go” comes from the depth of the
faith we have in the Risen One. Are we prepared to accept His “mandate” and to
give our lives for His Kingdom? This passage is not just about the faith of
those who have not seen (the witness of Thomas), but also about the mission
entrusted to the Church by Christ.
b) A suggested division of the text to facilitate its reading:
John 20:19-20: appearance to the disciples and showing of the
wounds
John 20:21-23: gift of the Spirit for the mission
John 20:24-26: special appearance to Thomas eight days later
John 20:27-29: dialogue with Thomas
John 20:30-31: the aim of the Gospel according to John
John 20:21-23: gift of the Spirit for the mission
John 20:24-26: special appearance to Thomas eight days later
John 20:27-29: dialogue with Thomas
John 20:30-31: the aim of the Gospel according to John
c) The text:
19 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." 20 When He
had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were
glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with
you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." 22 And when He had
said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy
Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the
sins of any, they are retained."
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 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."
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 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."
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