Second Sunday of Easter

[cappie]

Sunday's Homily 

This Sunday’s Gospel  is about a person who forgives his friends for the pain and hurt they caused him. In fact, he forgives them even before they express a word of sorrow and remorse. That person is the Risen Lord.

We know Jesus was merciful and forgiving. He reached out to sinners and to outcasts. He offered forgiveness to the adulterous woman who was dragged before him for condemnation. “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (John 8:11)

He forgave the sins of the paralysed man who was lowered down before him through the roof. As Jesus told him, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 5:20)

He even forgave those who crucified him. “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

However, those persons were not close friends and disciples of Jesus. They were strangers, and some were even his enemies.

In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 20:19-31), Jesus the Risen Lord forgives his closest friends. Instead of remaining faithful as they had promised, they had deserted him and run for their lives when he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. We can only imagine how hurt Jesus must have been as he saw the hateful faces of those coming to arrest him and the backs of his disciples as they fled in fear for their lives.

https://gregrowles.wordpress.com/

[Gabriela]

Hello, cappie! We miss you!  

[cappie]

[franciscanheart]

cappie, I really liked these parts:

Yet when the Risen Lord appeared to those unfaithful disciples, those disloyal friends, that first Easter Sunday, rather than expressing his anger and disappointment, he said, “Peace be with you.” And he said it not once but twice.

I need to work on being quicker to the "Peace be with you."  

They are there as enduring signs of the faithful love of Christ and of his real participation in the suffering that marks the life of every person. The Latin word for “wound” is vulnus, from which we get our English word “vulnerable.” The wounds of the risen Jesus manifest his vulnerability – his ability to be wounded by other people and by life itself. Because of his love for us he became vulnerable to the response of other human beings. Indeed, in Christ God made himself vulnerable to us and to our response in freedom.

Love this.

 

Thank you for sharing!