DO WE STILL NOT BELIEVE? - 04/21/22 (Easter Thursday)

Luke 24:36-39,41,47

36 As they were saying this, Jesus Himself stood among them. 37 But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39 See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Easter Thursday! The disciples were aware of the testimonies of the women about the risen Lord. They also listened to the two people who were travelling to Emmaus and who recounted how they recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. And yet, when our Lord appeared to them, they were afraid that they thought He was a ghost. Why did they still not believe? There are at least two reasons why they still doubted the resurrection of Christ. 

First, they still could not understand how Someone who was dead could be alive again, especially through a glorious resurrection. This is something that is physically and scientifically impossible. If we have this perspective, we might think that our life has no purpose because we will die anyway. But, nothing is impossible with our Almighty God. Even after the terrible sufferings and death He endured out of love for us, He rose from the dead to give us hope in our own resurrection. May we never lose our faith in Christ no matter how difficult our circumstances are. We may think we really believe in our Lord. But, whenever we complain due to the sufferings we experience or allow it to be reasons for us to commit sins, there is still an aspect in our hearts that question our God. We may be confused as to why we experience numerous trials, but as long as we are faithful and devoted to Him, we will receive the glory that God prepares for us in heaven and in our resurrection.

Second, they could not understand how Jesus loved them despite offending them by their sins. The disciples left their Master when He was arrested, and Jesus Christ bore the sins of mankind on the cross, including their sins. But, His passion and resurrection showed the infinite mercy of Christ for us. Amidst our wrong doings that pierced and offended His Sacred Heart, He still chooses to be present with us and offer His forgiveness and graces which we can obtain through sacraments and prayers. At the same time, our recognition of the mercy of God should lead us to true repentance. Seeking forgiveness from God and desiring to change our ways in order to avoid offending Him is a sign that we truly hope in Him. 

This Octave of Easter is a week of rejoicing and celebration. Are we joyful during this time? If not, what are the reasons why? When we experience sufferings and obstacles in life, let's pray to Jesus and seek the grace of perseverance. He stays with people who depend on Him always. As we ponder on our sinfulness, may we remember the merciful love of our Risen Lord. Jesus is looking for souls who are willing to repent for their sins and be united to His will. In this way, He will strengthen our faith in the final victory to sins, and He will renew our hope in our own glorious resurrection. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic