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On this second Sunday of
Easter we thank God for the faith we received as gift. Faith is first a
gift from God who in his great love empowers us to believe. Then in his
mercy he sends people into our lives who have experienced the Risen Lord
Jesus and are willing to share that gift with us.
Today we hear of Thomas who could not believe apostles’ claim they had
seen Jesus alive. A few days earlier Thomas willingly went to Bethany to
risk his life with Christ at the funeral of Lazarus. The events of the
Passion devastated Thomas. Instead of defending his Lord, he and
the others abandoned him. He was inconsolable. His solitary faith
was not sufficient. In his isolation, Thomas could not believe. It was
only within the context of the apostolic community that Christ could
heal Thomas’ unbelief.
The same is true for us. When people ask, "why do I have to go to
church?" The answer should be obvious! Because we are the church! No
human being comes into this world by his or her own willing it; we are
born by the will of God and the cooperation of our parents. We do not
grow up in isolation. We need the care and education of a family and
friends to bring us to adulthood. So it is with our faith. When we are
weak the community of faith gives us strength. When we are strong we
share that faith with those who are in need.
During this Easter season we rejoice in the Good News of the
Resurrection. Remember, it is not private good news. Many others
lived and suffered and died to share the good news with us. In this
season we rejoice to do the same. Identify someone with whom you can
share your faith.
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