Roc Homily for 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy)

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy)

Some propositions for your consideration:

1. Thomas did not doubt. Rather, he stated a fact: “Unless I put my finger into his hands…”

2. The phrase, “whose sins you retain are retained,” may be the worst translation in the NAB.  The Greek, krateo, is translated as “to hold fast, to grasp (a hand), to rebuild” in the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible.  This, as they say, changes everything.

3. Jesus “held fast & rebuilt” his disciples when he appeared in room with locked doors – by having them examine his hands & side, the very marks left by self-obsessed human beings.

4. The part we play when seeking a deeper experience of and encounter with the Risen Christ is to explore the wounds we have inflicted on Christ, ourselves, and one another from our profound self-obsession.

5. Our joyful encounter with Christ’s wounds (his acceptance of us) is authentic.  A solely remorseful response could indicate it’s an extension of our self-obsession.

Happy Easter! –roc,sj