Homily from Father Stephen for 2nd Sunday of Easter
2nd Sunday of Easter – People of Light
Watching the News or reading the newspapers can be hugely upsetting these days with the Covid 19 Virus. Often it seems like there is nothing but bad news – people ill, people dying, others struggling, some finding it difficult to come to terms with the reality of today. We not only see this in our country, but indeed throughout the world – and with more horrific numbers. People are suffering all over the world due to unjust economic systems, cruel political regimes, greed; environmental degradation … the list goes on. In our own country, thousands of people are homeless, and despite much discussion of the problem, the situation does not seem to be improving. The lines dividing people are more pronounced and more widespread.
Of course it can be easy to lose hope, and for our faith to go through shaky patches. With so much suffering in the world, it is no wonder that we sometimes ask the question: where is God in all of this?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus also reminded the apostles of the importance of their faith. St Thomas represents all of us. He was expressing the doubt and voicing the uncertainties which test our faith from time to time. Faith does not always come easily. Sometimes, believing is not a problem, but at times it can be a real challenge.
It is worth remembering that the faith of the apostles was no overnight experience. It was something gradual, which increased as they became more intimate with Jesus; the same is true of our faith. It will grow and deepen, provided we pray and have contact with Jesus. This is more evident today than ever before.
In the passage, we meet a doubter, Thomas. As one of Jesus’ disciples, he has been through the mill. Their great friend and teacher, Jesus, the one who promised them the world, has been brutally killed, his awful suffering is fresh in their minds. Their own lives are in danger, so they are lying low. It is a time of despair, so it is little wonder that he does not dare to believe the other disciples when they say they have seen the Lord. When death and despair are all around, we can be like Thomas. We are all at sea, afraid of what the future will bring.
What better example of this is there today than Cardinal Pell, whom I want to pray so much more for. On Sky Australia I watched his interview with Bolt. It was absolutely outstanding. It has shaken me; yet strengthened my faith when I hear of his courage and sheer determination. An accusation that could not be real, especially if you looked at the facts. Yet he stood for truth and justice. He lost his job, savings, career, reputation and went on to spend 405 days in jail for a crime he obviously could not have committed. As a Christian he reminds us that the earth tribunal is not the final one. He talks of the importance of a daily routine of prayer, exercise, reading, food and sleep. He was asked how he survived. – He was not scarred but he was deeply wounded. He was innocent and of sound mind and as a Christian we have the useful teaching of offering up our sufferings. Pain alerts us to an illness and as Christians can offer this up to the good God. He was asked – ‘Did you never say – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me’? No, never! But I did say ‘My God, my God, what are you up to?’ He spoke of the gift of faith and pray people had in him. When he witnessed the sheer anger and aggression to him – it was like meeting people out of the most terrible suffering. People have been badly injured and when he endured this aggression he simply asked – what did the church do to you? We are not aware of the damage the Church has done to so many. We’re trained to think well of people. We’re trained not to gossip. In conclusion – Cardinal Pell looked more at peace, sometimes angry, but more at peace that ever before. He came alive when he mentioned the bible, its history and the meaning. He talked about Job and his faith he had in God, amidst all the horrible things that came his way in life. Cardinal Pell defended the God who let all these things happen to him, yet he remains a Christian to his soul.
Jesus greets his disciples with the simple blessing: ‘Peace be with you.’ In their fear and despair, he comes and stands among them, calming their troubled hearts. The Resurrection of Jesus shows us there is hope. We are called not only to experience the risen Jesus, but to be people of the Resurrection. Where there is darkness, Jesus calls us to be people of light. As we continue to celebrate the season of Easter, let us pray that our faith in Jesus will continue to grow, so that we, too, can say with conviction of St Thomas: ‘My Lord, and my God.’ in these difficult days.
