May 01, 2011
Second Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy
The Ladies Sodality had their rummage sale on Saturday. Before opening the doors for treasure seekers, the ladies gathered for prayer outside. The people in line watched in amusement until Mary Jo Ketchum, the Prefect of the Sodality, invited everyone to pray a Hail Mary. Some did. Today in our Gospel, we have "Jews" inside a locked room and outside. Everyone there is Jewish. The evangelist uses the expression "the Jews" to speak of those not open to Jesus as the Messiah. Even among those disciples in the room open to Jesus there is fear and doubt. The Risen Lord appears and says "Peace." It is a word-gift that dispels the fear permeating the room. Fear can alarm us of real danger but it also can cripple or exaggerate our response to a perceived threat. After instilling peace, Jesus shows his disciples his hands and side -- the wounds. There must be honesty about what has take place -- the harsh reality of the crucifixion and the abandonment of Jesus by his inner circle of friends. Jesus, the Risen Lord, breathes on the disciples and bids them to forgive. They could well leave the room, embarrassed by their own failure, and seek revenge in the crowd outside -- some hostile to them. Jesus imparts the Spirit with hope that his followers will forgive rather than retain the evil/sin in themselves. Forgiveness is the path to peace. Today is Mercy Sunday. Today in Rome, Pope Benedict is beatifying Pope John Paul II. When he first was elected Pope, JP II came to the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and said: "Be not afraid." These are the same words spoken by angels at the empty tomb. May God continue to breathe on us to lessen our fear and empower us to choose the path of peace.
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3rd Sunday of Easter
