It Is The Lord.
Dear Parishioners,
For the next few weeks, our scripture readings will focus on post resurrection stories and the activities of the apostles as they embark on a mission of establishing the early church. I feel so comforted with the words of Jesus to his frightened disciples. He never condemned them for being weak, or for their betrayal and abandonment. Nothing could keep the Lord away from his disciples. Fears, doubts, locked and bolted doors did not stop the Lord on that Easter evening. He erased Thomas’ doubt by drawing him to touch his wounds.
The risen Christ shares with them his spirit and offers them a gift of peace and power to forgive sin. Why would he grant them such power on the very evening of resurrection? He must have been thinking about us too. It was not just to convince the apostles and Thomas, but about all of us who would come later. This personal encounter seems to be the factor here. It teaches us so much about our relationship with the risen Lord and what he expects from us.
We have so much to learn from this beautiful encounter with Thomas, who doubted the Lord’s resurrection and appearance. His refusal to believe even when others gave testimony, in many ways helps our modern mind to understand the truthfulness of the resurrection. It was not a myth or fable; rather a reality that defies our comprehension. Resurrection marks a new era in human history. It opens the door of salvation. It completes the work of redemption and makes us sharers in the everlasting life. It is not enough to be a believer; all believers have a solemn obligation to make the risen Christ known. When Thomas came to face to face with the risen Christ, he prostrated to the ground in a humble adoration with a sweet expression of “My Lord and my God!” That was the moment he believed. When did you believe it? What is your moment of encounter?
I often think of those who do not believe or have not accepted the risen Christ. I think of those who pick and choose which doctrines to accept or reject. I think of the Mother Church that carries on with the work of evangelization and the many hostilities she faces on all sides, even among her own flock. I think of those who made themselves the sole judge of their faith; taking only what they chose to believe. For such people I pray the words of the risen Christ will speak to them. “Do not be unbelieving but believe.”
We are in the age of new evangelization; planting seeds of faith and nurturing pastoral care go together. There are so many people who no longer practice their faith. There are some Catholics who seem to have reached a plateau where growth in faith has stopped. The risen Christ invites all to deepen our faith; in many cases it means re-evangelizing. Our parish community should be a vibrant center of formation and education. It is the Lord who leads and invigorates us. We cannot inspire ourselves; that is the reason why he shares his spirit with us.
It is interesting to observe how some of the apostles decided to go back to their former profession. Peter and his six companions went back fishing; perhaps they were bored of waiting around. All night they caught nothing. Someone standing on the seashore urged them to cast their nets over the side. They obeyed and got many fish. Only then, it dawns on them that it was the risen Christ who gave this fruitful order. This is another reason not to doubt the Lord.
Every creature obeys him, and so should you. He makes our mission fruitful. He even made breakfast for his wearied disciples who labored all night. He nourishes his own. The risen Christ will take care of you if you allow him. It is thanks to him that each one of us will manage to fulfil his destiny. Finally, the risen Christ entrusts his flock to Peter. He wants him to look after his flock. The ministry of Peter continues in the very work of the church and Pope the successor of Peter.
Sincerely Yours In The Risen Lord,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
