As we traverse the liturgical journey through the Octave of Easter, our hearts and minds are continually called to reflect upon the profound mystery and joy of the Resurrection. The Scripture readings for the Tuesday following the Second Sunday of Easter, specifically Matthew 28:7 and John 20:26, offer a rich tapestry of themes for contemplation: divine mercy, the transformation of doubt into faith, and the commissioning of the disciples as witnesses to the Resurrection.
Matthew 28:7 – The Commission to Witness
In Matthew 28:7, we are presented with the angel’s instruction to the women at the tomb: “Go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” This passage is a vivid reminder of the role we are all called to play as witnesses to the Resurrection. Just as the women were entrusted with the message of Christ’s victory over death, so too are we commissioned to spread this Good News.
This call to witness is not just an external proclamation but an invitation to internal transformation. In the traditional understanding of Catholicism, witnessing the Resurrection means allowing the reality of Christ’s victory to penetrate our hearts, transforming our fears and doubts into unwavering faith and joy. It’s a reminder that the first step in evangelization is a deep, personal encounter with the Risen Christ.
John 20:26 – From Doubt to Faith
The Gospel of John, in the passage of 20:26, provides a profound counterpoint to the theme of witnessing. Eight days after His Resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples, including Thomas, who had doubted the testimonies of his fellow apostles. Jesus invites Thomas to put his finger into the wounds of His hands and side, leading to Thomas’s exclamation, “My Lord and my God!”
This encounter is a powerful testament to the mercy and patience of Christ towards those who struggle with doubt and disbelief. It underscores the idea that faith is a journey, often marked by questions and uncertainties. The doubting Thomas in each of us is invited to move from skepticism to belief, not through coercion, but through a personal encounter with the Risen Lord.
Reflections for the Journey
As we reflect on these passages in the spirit of the Tuesday after the Second Sunday of Easter, we are invited to contemplate the depth of God’s mercy and the transformative power of the Resurrection. The journey from doubt to faith is not a solitary one; it is a path we walk together, accompanied by the witnesses of the Gospel, the saints, and our fellow believers.
In this Easter season, let us embrace our calling to be witnesses to the Resurrection, bearing the light of Christ into the darkness of doubt and despair. Let us open our hearts to the transforming grace of the Risen Lord, allowing His peace to dispel our fears and His wounds to heal our unbelief.
As we journey forward, may we echo the words of Thomas, proclaiming in our lives and in our faith, “My Lord and my God!”