2nd Week of Easter

First reading: Acts 2:42–47

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

Second reading: 1 Pt. 1:3–9

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, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 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. 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, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Gospel: Jn. 20:19–31

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.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 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.”

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.” 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.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 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.

In other words 

Fr. Emmanuel Menguito, SVD (Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City)

Everybody loves to receive a gift! I am sure you will agree with me. It is no wonder that everybody loves the season of gift giving which is Christmas. But do you know that the Gospel reading for today clearly states that God has given us four, yes, FOUR, valuable gifts?

First gift: Peace. The Lord’s first words upon seeing those gathered at that time are, “Peace be with you.” He has imparted peace to those in his presence. Peace is so elusive nowadays. Time and time again, we hear war rumors as countries not in good relationships are posturing against each other. Refugees by the millions are fleeing and are suffering from hunger, thirst, and alienation as they are driven away from the security of their homes due to wars and conflicts. We can only do our little share in letting peace reign in our own little worlds, in our respective families, workplaces, and communities. Let us always remember the reward for peacemakers in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God.”

Second gift: The Holy Spirit. Jesus says in the Gospel, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The greatest gift is the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. To him is given many names, and to mention a few, he is the fire of love, the advocate, and the consoler. He is the advocate who speaks for us and who speaks through us. He is the consoler, especially in moments of sadness, grief, and fear. Let us allow the Spirit to be the mover in our lives, to be the fire, especially in our efforts to love God and others. May the Lord continue to fill us with his Spirit.

Third gift: Forgiveness and reconciliation. The Gospel today is considered as the moment when Jesus instituted the sacrament of reconciliation. Anger and rancor must not find their place in the hearts of believers. Jesus’ offering of his life has resulted in our being forgiven and reconciled with God. It is our turn to strive to forgive each other continually and always to be reconcilers for the first gilt, i.e., peace to reign supreme in all of us.

Fourth gift: Faith. While the doubting Thomas is portrayed as the recipient of this tremendous gift, this same gift is also given to everyone. Such a gift was poured into us at baptism. It is so sad to see countless Christians who call themselves so but are such only in name (nominal Christians). Faith needs to be seen in one’s daily life and has to be practiced. True believers have to walk the talk.