Reconciliation for Mon 20 April to Friday 24 April - 11.15am - 12.20pm. Please note that strict social distancing rules will be applied. Confession will take place in the Cloister area.
Dear Friends
The theme of ‘community’ is central to today’s liturgy. We read in the Acts of the Apostles of the fidelity that marked the early Christian community – a fidelity to the ‘teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers’ [Acts 2:42]. For the term ‘teaching of the apostles’ we can read: ‘the apostolic activity which continues the ministry of Jesus’; for ‘the brotherhood’, we can read: ‘a spiritual communion which allows for the sharing not only of material, but also spiritual goods and gifts; for the ‘breaking of bread’ we can read: ‘the Eucharistic presence of Christ’. This fidelity is enhanced and strengthened through a consistent and ongoing prayer life, both individual and communal. The example of such a faith-filled community allowed people to consider their lifestyle and their desire and wanting to be part of it. Its description is not far removed from the description of an everyday Parish community.
St. Peter, in the Second Reading, [1 Peter 1:3-9] speaks of our new life in the Risen Christ. Peter here speaks of a faith that will allow the power of God to protect us until the end of time. What a reassuring thought and prayer during this time of health crisis.
The Gospel consists of the familiar scene of Thomas doubting not only the vision of Jesus which the others had, but in some way doubting the very fact of the Resurrection, a central and fundamental item of faith for a Christian. Note then what the community does. There is no hint of dismissal or abandonment on their part of such an upstart and apparent non-believer, in the reaction of Thomas to the news of Jesus’ appearance. In the ensuing time between the two appearances of Jesus in this Gospel passage, one would assume that Thomas was instructed and prayed over by and with, the others. The strong sense of community allowed Thomas to then make his deep statement of faith: ‘My Lord and my God’. [John 20:28].
This Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday is also a special occasion for the Universal Church. April 27th will mark the sixth anniversary of the canonisation of John XXIII (1958-1963) and John Paul II (1978-2005) by Pope Francis. These two Popes served as head of the Church for a combined number of 32 of the past 62 years. Both have contributed a great deal to the present-day organisation and mission of the Church. Pope John XXIII initiated the renewal of the Church by convoking the Second Vatican Council, whose rich teachings still need to be unpacked, while John Paul II’s writings have influenced the life of the Church in a truly spiritual manner. It was John Paul II who established Divine Mercy Sunday which we celebrate today, the 2nd Sunday of Easter. Both were men of faith and mercy, words that are strongly noted in our liturgy today. This time of Easter challenges us to be people of faith and mercy. These two aspects are part of our lives: they cannot be separated or lived apart from each other. We rejoice in the fact that Thomas came to full faith once he encountered the Risen Lord. We rejoice also for ourselves who have not physically encountered Jesus, but who through lives of faith, mercy, prayer and being part of a vibrant faith community continue to believe in the person and message of the Risen Lord. The words of Jesus in today’s Gospel are addressed to us: ‘Happy are those who have not seen and yet still believe’ [John 20:29]. May Jesus, who showed such great mercy and love to Thomas, and the intercession of Saints John XXII and John Paul II, be with us in our times of doubt and uncertainty, so as to bring us to faith in his Resurrection.
Fr Robert Bossini
Dean & Parish Priest
