John 20:19-31
Looking back, Lent, Easter, Spring Break: all came and went too quickly. Like someone is stepping on the gas. Everything is fast pace. The guests have left and there is some semblance of being back to normal—whatever that is.
Lent was supposed to have afforded us a time to reflect, to slow down and to do penance. Perhaps some of us are a few pounds thinner, but are we any closer to Christ? Did the season of Lent help us grow in our Faith? Regardless, Lent is over. But the Easter Season has just begun. Actually, the Easter Season better defines who we are. We are people of the Resurrection. For seven weeks we reflect on after-the-tomb experiences of the early Christian community. As we might guess, their life was not easy. Not everyone believed, even those who saw the Resurrected Jesus entertained doubts. Difficult to trust the senses, when logic dictates that once a person is dead, they remain dead. Jesus is the First Resurrected from the dead. Others had been revived, resuscitated, awakened—but only Jesus came back with a body that could go through walls, yet retained the nails marks from the crucifixion. Only Jesus had a body that people could touch, hug, and break bread together. Yet, they could not cling to Him—He would vanish from their sight. Of course the folks wanted to keep Him—to hold on to Him. They were looking for clarification—for affirmation, for forgiveness. No doubt that Jesus answered many of their questions. But one of the first things He said was, “Peace be with you.” Obviously what they need most was peace. Perhaps disappointed in themselves or each other—they were worried, afraid, confused. “Peace be with you.” Once they trusted, the disciples were able to experience peace. Took awhile.
Human condition has not changed much in the history of Christianity. Just look around. If you want to start an argument, just start talking about the presidential candidates. Matters not whose side we’re on—there is tension in the air. Seems to be a lot of unrest about what is happening—not to mention that the world is watching. Sort of embarrassing to show our dirty laundry. Yet, no one candidate is free of faults. And if we are looking for someone who is free of faults; we will always be disappointed. In that case, only the Blessed Mother could run for president, and she wasn’t an American citizen.
When we face our limitations we too are disappointed. If we choose to dwell on our mistakes we will never be free of guilt—which is the devil’s weapon. Remember who we are: a people loved by God—special to Him. God doesn’t give up on us. Why should we give up on ourselves? Why should we give up on each other? We have high expectations, especially of our family. That’s not always negative; but the expectations can be unrealistic. Patience is often required, particularly when expectations are unmet. God has shown us the way to be non-judgmental. Goes hand in hand with being merciful. We spend a lot of energy judging each other, pointing fingers, finding fault. We are not God. We are fragile human beings and every one of us has sins. If God can overlook the stupidities of the world, why can’t we? Why can’t we be a little less controlling and a little more forgiving? Got to start somewhere. The best place is to start at home. Jesus visits us in our trials. We are never alone. When we think that we are up to our neck in problems, there is the Lord—telling us, “Peace be with you.” Reminding us that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Divine Mercy saved us. Mercy is always the key to true happiness.
Looking back, Lent, Easter, Spring Break: all came and went too quickly. Like someone is stepping on the gas. Everything is fast pace. The guests have left and there is some semblance of being back to normal—whatever that is.
Lent was supposed to have afforded us a time to reflect, to slow down and to do penance. Perhaps some of us are a few pounds thinner, but are we any closer to Christ? Did the season of Lent help us grow in our Faith? Regardless, Lent is over. But the Easter Season has just begun. Actually, the Easter Season better defines who we are. We are people of the Resurrection. For seven weeks we reflect on after-the-tomb experiences of the early Christian community. As we might guess, their life was not easy. Not everyone believed, even those who saw the Resurrected Jesus entertained doubts. Difficult to trust the senses, when logic dictates that once a person is dead, they remain dead. Jesus is the First Resurrected from the dead. Others had been revived, resuscitated, awakened—but only Jesus came back with a body that could go through walls, yet retained the nails marks from the crucifixion. Only Jesus had a body that people could touch, hug, and break bread together. Yet, they could not cling to Him—He would vanish from their sight. Of course the folks wanted to keep Him—to hold on to Him. They were looking for clarification—for affirmation, for forgiveness. No doubt that Jesus answered many of their questions. But one of the first things He said was, “Peace be with you.” Obviously what they need most was peace. Perhaps disappointed in themselves or each other—they were worried, afraid, confused. “Peace be with you.” Once they trusted, the disciples were able to experience peace. Took awhile.
Human condition has not changed much in the history of Christianity. Just look around. If you want to start an argument, just start talking about the presidential candidates. Matters not whose side we’re on—there is tension in the air. Seems to be a lot of unrest about what is happening—not to mention that the world is watching. Sort of embarrassing to show our dirty laundry. Yet, no one candidate is free of faults. And if we are looking for someone who is free of faults; we will always be disappointed. In that case, only the Blessed Mother could run for president, and she wasn’t an American citizen.
When we face our limitations we too are disappointed. If we choose to dwell on our mistakes we will never be free of guilt—which is the devil’s weapon. Remember who we are: a people loved by God—special to Him. God doesn’t give up on us. Why should we give up on ourselves? Why should we give up on each other? We have high expectations, especially of our family. That’s not always negative; but the expectations can be unrealistic. Patience is often required, particularly when expectations are unmet. God has shown us the way to be non-judgmental. Goes hand in hand with being merciful. We spend a lot of energy judging each other, pointing fingers, finding fault. We are not God. We are fragile human beings and every one of us has sins. If God can overlook the stupidities of the world, why can’t we? Why can’t we be a little less controlling and a little more forgiving? Got to start somewhere. The best place is to start at home. Jesus visits us in our trials. We are never alone. When we think that we are up to our neck in problems, there is the Lord—telling us, “Peace be with you.” Reminding us that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Divine Mercy saved us. Mercy is always the key to true happiness.
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