April 7, 2024 - One Bread, One Body
April 7, Divine Mercy Sunday
Cycle B Readings:
1) Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
2) 1 John 5:1-6
John 20:19-31
Feeder systems
“A week later, the disciples were once more in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came.” —John 20:26
We have a Church full of doubting Thomases. As St. Thomas later became a great missionary and martyr, so these doubting Thomases today are called to renew the face of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit (see Ps 104:30). However, they must first be transformed from having little faith to having strong faith.
We have a Church full of fearful disciples. These Christians acknowledge that Jesus is risen. However, because these disciples are locked in fear (see Jn 20:19), the doubting Thomases of the Church find it difficult to believe the fearful disciples. Fear feeds doubt, and doubt makes us more susceptible to fear, which makes our doubts worse, trapping us in greater fears and uncertainties.
Jesus broke this most vicious cycle by personally challenging Thomas’ doubts and leading Him to faith. When Thomas cried out: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20:28), he prepared the way for the reception of the Holy Spirit by Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is not a spirit of fear but of faith (see 2 Tm 1:7). Thus, after fully receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples were fearless in leading others to faith, fearlessness, and greater faith. Fearlessness feeds faith.
Because you are alive, you are either in a cycle of fear and doubt or a cycle of fearlessness and faith. On this last day of the octave of Easter, come to the risen Jesus. He will put you in the cycle leading to eternal life.
Prayer: Father, in Your mercy, challenge me to repent.
Promise: “Who, then, is conqueror of the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” —1 Jn 5:5
Praise: Praise be to You, Lord God! You are “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). Alleluia!
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 22, 2023."
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.