On this second Sunday of Easter octave, today’s Gospel tells us of the encounter between the Risen Christ and the Apostle Thomas. I have always liked Thomas. I can relate to him. I have even joked that if ever I became Pope (a long shot, to be sure!), I would choose to be called Thomas. Havin
On this octave of Easter, the Gospel reveals to us a saving encounter. Peter and John have seen the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene has seen the Lord, and runs to tell the good news to the other disciples. You would think they would be out celebrating. But they are not. Afraid of the same authorities who had put their Lord and Teacher to death, they are in lockdown: hiding behind locked doors, afraid to let anyone in.
Do not be afraid! Jesus is risen, just as he promised!
Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.April 11, 2020
We hear these words spoken on Easter morning to the women who went to anoint the body of Jesus, but found his tomb empty. This empty tomb is the foundation of our Easter hope. Christ is risen, just as he has promised.
“If you have been raised up to new life in Christ, you must seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at God’s right hand. Set your minds on what is of God, for you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God, sharing in his glory.”
We have just concluded an abridged version of the Passion of Matthew – yet how packed it is! So many images of the trial, sufferings and death of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus dies feeling alone and abandoned – abandoned even by his own Father. “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani .. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.”
As we continue this time of isolation, I know that some of us are beginning to feel it quite intensely. There is something in the human spirit that longs to be connected to others, to be in physical contact, to see and hear and touch those whom we love.
This past Friday at 1 PM, I turned on my television to watch Pope Francis deliver an extraordinary “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing. From the Latin meaning “to the City of Rome, and to the World”, this blessing, usually given only at Christmas and Easter, was being imparted to a world reeling at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a very moving and powerful scene: our 83-year old spiritual father, walking in the rain, all alone, limping slightly, across a completely empty St. Peter’s Square, in order to pray for the church and the world in these troubled times, and to call upon God for his blessing, protection and healing.
As further restrictions on mobility are put in place by the government in Quebec, our ability to minister to individuals in person is going to be compromised. One example of this is the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation through personal confession and absolution by a priest. As we go through this extended Lenten fast, let us follow the wise words of guidance of Pope Francis:
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