Reflections from the April 3 Gospel
John 20:19-31
After the Crucifixion, the disciples had locked themselves in a room in fear. But the Lord stepped right into this paranoia and dispelled it in an instant: “The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” Jesus wanted his followers to have the fullness of life, but this required trust in him and his promises. When we come to really accept who Jesus is, there is no more need for a life of slavery to fear—whether it’s fear for our health; fear for our reputation; fear for our comfort; or even fear that our sins are too big for forgiveness.
Today as we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy, we remember that God’s love is strong enough to conquer the greatest of all human fears: death itself. This confidence leads us to a renewed joy. As Pope Francis wrote in his declaration for the Year of Mercy, “Mercy is the force that reawakens us to new life and instills in us the courage to look to the future with hope.” Once we are firmly established in this hope, we are called to be witnesses of mercy to others.
Questions of the Week
John 20:19-31:
How do you come to terms without
your own doubts in your faith life?
Acts 5:12-16:
What challenges do you think the apostles faced with this remarkable early success in evangelization?
Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19:
Why do you think Jesus initially appears to John ready for battle?