As Jesus' disciples, we live the blessing of belief
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
As we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), three statements from the Gospel touched my heart.
Thomas is not present when Jesus appears to the other disciples. When Thomas is with them a week later they say, “We have seen the Lord!” (John 19:25) How often do we see the Lord in our daily lives – in each person, in creation, in our actions?
Jesus appears again and Thomas is present this time. When Thomas sees the hands and side of Jesus he says, “My Lord and my God” (John 19:28). What about the Creed we profess every Sunday? Do we put our faith in the Lord, our God?
Jesus tells his disciples, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”(John 19:29) What does it mean to be “blessed”? This Sunday is a good day to reflect on how being “blessed” affects our lives.
Pilgrims of Hope: The Jubilee of Teenagers is this weekend at the Vatican. Because of Pope Francis’ funeral, the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis will be rescheduled from this weekend to another date. Carlo lived in Italy and had deep love for the Eucharist and a devotion to St. Francis of Assisi. He had a deep concern for the poor and those who were bullied. Carlo was diagnosed with leukemia and died at the age of 15 in 2006. He will be the Church’s first millennial saint.
May we through prayer be given the grace to ponder and the vision to answer these questions in our daily lives. Thank you for this thoughtful prayer prompt, Sr. Lynne Marie!