Browsing Homilies

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

Acts 2:42-47 | Ps 118 | 1 Pt 1:3-9 | Jn 20:19-31

Gordon Sumner is probably not a name many people recognize. He made a seemingly inconsequential decision that would affect the rest of his life and career. When he was the bassist of a band called the Phoenix Jazzman, he wore a yellow-and-black-striped sweater, which prompted some mocking from the bandleader. The nickname he was given that day stuck, and we now better know him as Sting.

It is difficult to imagine calling Sting by his given name of Gordon. Similarly, when we look at today’s gospel, we may feel that it’s hard not to think of Thomas by his infamous nickname, “Doubting Thomas.” This poor guy was still reeling from the trauma of the death of his beloved friend and spiritual leader. Although he’d witnessed many miracles, he couldn’t fathom a person rising from the dead. More than likely, he feared for his own safety as well because he was associate with Jesus. He had to have felt lost without Jesus and was unsure of his next move.

Now, his close friends were saying that Jesus, whom he knew to be dead, was actually alive. If I were Thomas, I’d think everyone around me was hallucinating and processing grief in an odd way. He had difficulty believing that his was even possible. So, imagine the shock he must have felt when Jesus appeared before him a week later.

Our Lord could have greeted Thomas with malice because of his doubts; however, the greeting he offers everyone in the room is peace. Thomas needed to know that, even though his life felt unstable, Jesus would always be able to bring him peace. Jesus comes to Thomas and says, “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.” He invites Thomas to believe once again in the greatness of God, and in that moment of awe, he responds, “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus’ response can feel like a bit of a chastisement when he says, “Have you come to believe because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus knew that he wasn’t going to be physically present in a mortal body forever on earth and that it would be the responsibility of the believers to continue to spread his message. But perhaps he is simply reminding Thomas that not everyone will have the benefit of seeing the risen Lord in person and that the real challenge for everybody is to have faith even if they are not a direct witness. In this moment, he reminds Thomas of the difficulty that many face believing what they do not see, and also the importance of it.

Today’s gospel gives us a bit of relief when we find it challenging to believe. As we make our way through life, we come to expect letdowns and disappointments. Because of so many unfulfilled promises and unmet expectations, we can grow cynical of anything that can seem too good to be true. Our hearts become calloused to protect us from future disillusionment. And so, we come to demand proof and assurance before committing ourselves to anything.

Even the people who were there had a hard time trusting what they saw and struggled to maintain faith. The important thing is to not lean too heavily into those doubts, because the life and peace that comes through Jesus is too essential. Whether we are a rock star with a funny nickname or a disciple, Jesus wants a relationship with each one of us. We just need to believe.

No matter where we are with our faith - no matter how closed our hearts may seem - Jesus can break through that closed door and reveal himself. If you can only go so far, Jesus can meet you there. If you can only believe so much, Jesus can take your hand and lead you a little further along. There is no doubt, no fear, no weakness that Jesus, through the power of his resurrection cannot defeat!

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