Thomas believes at the appearance of the risen Christ
There are two appearances by the risen Christ in Sunday’s Gospel, each bringing us a great deal of comfort. In the first, Jesus establishes the Office of the Holy Ministry, and assures us that, in the words of the catechism, ‘when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they. . . absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.’
In the second appearance, our
Lord appears to Thomas. Thomas wanted the certainty of seeing his risen Lord in
the flesh, as the others had. When he beholds the wounds in the One who was
crucified on our behalf, his faith is sure, and he confesses, ‘My Lord and My
God!’ Thomas’s assurance is ours also. We need never doubt that our Lord is
truly risen from the dead, ‘the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.’
(1 Corinthians 15:20)
“Peace be with you,” was the
salutation Jesus used each time he approached the Disciples. It is a gift of
Christ. He gives it as a blessing. Peace is one of the gifts of the Holy
Spirit. It is not a manufactured peace, but it comes as a by-product of a
proper connection with God through Jesus Christ. Peace results from a
satisfactory work as God and man are now I harmony. There is a wholeness, an
oneness that eliminates tension or friction.
O God, in the paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to
send Your heavenly gifts upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom
and receive eternal life.
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus
Christ, You destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light. Grant
that we who have been raised with Him may abide in His presence and rejoice in
the hope of eternal; [2]
Collect for Friday of the week of Easter 1: Eternal Father, you gave us the Easter mystery as our covenant of reconciliation. May the new birth we celebrate show its effects in the way we live. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3]
No comments:
Post a Comment