2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER/ DIVINE MERCY C
THANK GOD, YOU ROSE
FROM THE GRAVE!
There are moments when life seems
to be just monotonous, regular, and predictable. We do not expect anything to
happen soon that will spark a change in the way we do or view things. Even if
we do wrong, since nobody dares to inform us, we do not feel that we are
missing the point.
Such is the predicament of the
Lord’s friend, Thomas the doubter. He knew the Lord has died; that he was
buried and by whom. He accepted in his heart that the end has come for his
Master. Rejoining the other apostles, he expected life to just continue from
this development. They would just have to live with the fact of Jesus’ absence.
Even when informed of the Resurrection, Thomas persisted in what he knew, felt,
and believed. That news was too good to be true!
Jesus was aware of what was
happening to Thomas. He knew him to be passionate, sincere and committed. He
knew that he would need to intervene in a special way to convince Thomas that
he now moves among them living and active. Thomas needed this unique act of
mercy to be led to faith again!
And how big was the turnaround in
Thomas’ mind and heart. From disbelief to faith! From passivity to intensity!
Until the end of his life, Thomas brought the hope of the resurrection to
peoples everywhere!
The mercy of the Lord reaches us
in areas of our lives where he alone can enter. His love keeps drawing us close
to his presence and to his truth. Sometimes it may need a miracle, and yes, the
Lord does not spare us the miracle we truly need to have faith and purpose
again.
A lady abortion doctor performed
so many procedures that she thought she killed more people than a serial
killer. She just thought she was doing something to help women deal with their
problem. She even performed abortions while she herself was pregnant. But she
noticed the struggle in some women’s hearts as they reluctantly gave up their
babies. She soon became confused, looked for answers and found the Lord through
church and a meeting with a pastor.
In finding the Risen Lord she
realized how wrong she was about abortion. She knew she was forgiven and slowly
she forgave herself. At the end of her testimony, she said: “I’m just thankful
we have a Savior; that he forgives us; that he takes what is destroyed and
restores it.” Like Thomas, this doctor's life received new direction, fresh
purpose, and deeper meaning.
The Lord deals with us in the
same way each day, as he showers us with the grace of his mercy. Shouldn’t we
be thankful each day that our Savior lives?