On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them. – John 20:19

       Granny goes into a Jollibee outlet and orders coffee with honey. “Sorry, Lola, we don’t serve honey,” the waiter answered. Adamant,

grandma raises her eyebrows and demands, “You have a giant red bee outside your restaurant and you’re telling me you don’t have any honey?!”

       Just like Lola, we also ask God for the obvious because we believe we need it. In today’s reading, though, Jesus does what is not obvious. He appears in spite of the locked doors in ways the disciples did not expect. Why? Because He needs to give His disciples more than what is obvious. He needs to give them what is necessary.

       Jesus appears to us in many different ways — as a Bringer of Peace, Giver of the Spirit, Proof of the Resurrection, Messiah, Son of God…. Rarely does He come to us in ways that are obvious. But let’s never overlook two things: One, that He will give us exactly what we hope to get; and two, whatever He gives us and however He gives it, appreciate that His Presence is blessing enough for us. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

Reflection: Especially during this Easter season, what does it mean to you to share in the sufferings of Christ?

You’re not a genie but sometimes I treat You like one. This time, I listen and ask, “What would you like me to do for You, Lord?”

St. Louis Mary de Montfort, pray for us.

The sense of community among the Early Christians was very strong as related in the Acts of the Apostles. This is probably due to the fact that for the first three centuries the Church was persecuted and so supporting one another was a very high priority. Even if the threat of persecution is gone, we should continue our support and concern for one another.

42 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

R: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

2 Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy endures forever.” (R) 13 I was hard pressed and was falling, but the Lord helped me. 14 My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 15 The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just: (R) 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. (R)

What a great image of faith — “an indescribable and glorious joy.” If only we could capture such an experience more regularly. Sometimes we are the Gospel’s worst enemies in that we do not live with the joy that we should have, knowing the gift of God’s mercy and love. We should always be joyful because, no matter what situation we are in, God is with us to strengthen us and give us victory.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. 6 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Thomas may have doubted at first but then he was humble enough to admit he was wrong to doubt. Let us pray for the humility of Thomas in facing our own mistakes. Let us never despair in our sinfulness because we believe in a God who has overcome the power of sin through His resurrection.

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “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.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” 30 Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

think: We should always be joyful because, no matter what situation we are in, God is there to strengthen us and give us victory.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Numbers 22-24

INNER PEACE IS BEST

It is striking to note that the usual greeting of the Risen Lord to His disciples was “Peace be with you!” By this, He indicates peace that is not external, or peace that is without problems and conflicts. In truth, the disciples will have more of the conflicts and tensions as they go about spreading the Gospel of Jesus to nations. All the Apostles, except John, will in fact suffer violent death through martyrdom. John himself will be caught, tortured, imprisoned and exiled. Jesus, thus, refers to peace in one’s heart and spirit.

       With Jesus simple words — “Peace be with you” — He was ministering to each of the disciples. The crucifixion shattered their confidence. They saw their Master die, and they were all living in constant fear that they will soon be next. The narrative that we read today says that the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Thomas had even deeper wounds to nurse. He had put his trust and his everything in Jesus. Once, in the midst of threats on Jesus’ life, Thomas was able to say before all the disciples: “If the Master goes to Jerusalem to die, let us go to die with him” (cf John 11:16). This much he believed in the power of Jesus. But then, the crucifixion and death of Jesus shattered his confidence in Jesus’ power. Depressed by everything, he uttered: “Unless I see... I will not believe” (v. 25).

       Jesus breathed on the disciples, reminiscent of Genesis 2:7, when God breathed on the first man to communicate His life to him. With His words that seemed like a customary greeting in those times, Jesus restores confidence and inner peace to the disciples. From this, they draw the strength to go and preach the truth about Jesus, no matter what.

       This Sunday, as we celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday, let us ask Jesus to visit us and all our beloved with His best gift — inner peace. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you at peace now? Is this peace outside or within? What does this peace give you? How do you nurture the gift of inner peace? How can you share the gift of inner peace with your friends and family?

Grant me Your peace, Lord — the peace that transcends all tribulations and conflicts.