On The Eve of The Resurrection
Dear Parishioners,
The announcement of the Lord’s resurrection continues to echo loudly in our hearings and inspires our hearts as we read these post resurrection encounters. The first appearance of Jesus happens to be on the evening of the resurrection, according to the gospel of John. The risen Lord assumes a glorified body, such that defies nature; hence he was able to appear behind locked doors. With the resurrection, the risen Jesus defies human history and inaugurates a new era for humanity.
“During these weeks of Easter, the Church allows us to savor all the rich flavor of the paschal mystery by having us relive the different aspects of Christ’s resurrection stories.” What was impossible became possible; that Jesus overcame death and lives to tell the story.
It was an unbelievable story which no one has ever witnessed. Indeed, Jesus, the Lord of life, conquered death and confers his Spirit to his followers. He made baptism a means for those who believe in him to share in his resurrection.
On the Easter evening, Jesus appears to his distraught and frightened disciples. But Thomas was not there at the time of the first apparition. He refused to believe the testimony of other disciples that Jesus Christ is risen and has appeared before them in a room locked and bolted, defying the law of physics and nature. Most of all, he came back eight days later for Thomas. Jesus did not want to leave anyone behind from this amazing experience. He wanted everyone to believe that his is truly alive and has proof to show “he is master over death, and he can free whomever he wants from it.”
As human beings with many limitations, sometimes our faith is weak, feeble and memory unreliable. Jesus knows that and chooses to imprint this event in our memory. He does a dramatic gesture as he approaches Thomas. He asked Thomas to touch his wounds. He left him with a gift that is so indelible and totally transformational. “He reminds Thomas of his demands and of his need to experience him face to face. He offers to fill these demands. Thomas recognized him at once and prostrates himself before him: “My Lord and my God” Thomas doubts crumble immediately. He does not offer any further resistance. He accepts reality and recognizes Jesus. He who was dead is truly alive.” Thomas becomes a model for us.
This rare experience should draw us closer to Jesus. We should desire to feel him, touch him, and love him, especially when we receive him in Holy Communion. Getting to know Jesus is not about logic or scientific reasonings; rather it is a personal encounter and manner of experience. Jesus presented himself in a way so modest, tender, humble, gentle, and yet full of dignity. Thomas experienced Jesus in these virtues, immediately let's go of his logic, criticism, and doubt. What are you willing to let go so that you can encounter the risen Lord?
Even in their feeble and fearful state, the risen Christ did not scold his apostles for lack faith, betrayal, denial, and abandonment when he needed them. Rather, he assured them of his loving presence, calmed their fear, anxiety, and confers on them his Spirit, his peace and power to forgive sin. This further deepens their faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. We must be careful not to imitate the disappointing aspect of Thomas, who wanted to see before believing. The Lord admonishes that it is important to believe because God is truthful. The central feature of our lives is not seen. It is believed. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Sincerely Yours In Christ,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
