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We're called to be 'touchable Jesus' to others

Based on the Readings Acts 5:12-16; Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20:19-31

Easter night – Peace. Joy. Empowerment. Witness.

In John’s Gospel, the apostles huddle behind locked doors. The risen Jesus appears and says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them the wounds in his hands and side. Joyfully, the apostles recognize Jesus.

Jesus empowers the apostles to carry on his work – to forgive sins and to share his mercy, peace and love with everyone.

The apostle Thomas was absent when Jesus appeared. They tell him, “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas will not believe without seeing Jesus himself.

A week later, Jesus again appears to the apostles, including Thomas. With merciful love for Thomas, Jesus tells him, “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.” Thomas adoringly responds, “My Lord and My God!”

Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, all the apostles will faithfully spread the Good News.

The first and second readings speak of witness. In Acts, Luke tells of the apostles offering God’s healing to people suffering physical or spiritual illness.

In Revelation, John, banished to the island of Patmos because of his “testimony to Jesus,” writes of his vision of the Son of Man (Jesus) who conquered death forever and offers us eternal life.

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we recall Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI “Calling the world – and especially the young people of the world – to be ‘heralds,’ evangelists, of the merciful love of Jesus Christ. In a world growing ever darker through violence, atheism and despair, Jesus Christ’s followers cannot be silent or inactive. God’s merciful love has already won the decisive victory over evil through the cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but, unless humanity turns with trust to his
merciful love, the world will not be able to receive the peace that he won for us.”

We are called to be the “touchable Jesus” to others.