First Reading: Acts 4:32-35
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him. In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth.
Gospel: John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Reflection
By Bernard Borja
Did you ever have times in your life when you received very good news and you want everybody to know about it immediately especially your loved ones?
I remember the time when I have successfully got my first job. After the final interview, the moment when the HR manager said the magic words “You’re hired!” my heart leapt and I was so excited to tell my friends and my family about it. I sent messages to my friends and they congratulated me shortly after. I went straight home to tell my parents about it. When I saw my mom, I smiled and she asked “How was it?” then I said one of the most sweetest sounding words to her ears she longed to hear that time, “I got the job!” I saw in her eyes the same excitement I had when I heard the magic words of the manager. She was even teary eyed as she said “Thanks be to God!” It was like she was praying for it for a long time and after six months of waiting and nagging me to find a job, it has finally paid off.
It was really a very happy and peaceful feeling when you see someone you told about good news, excited and heart leaping. It is like a complete celebration because it is shared especially with someone you love. But what if the reaction is somewhat different?
I have a friend back in high school who was an average when it comes to studies. He does not fail his subjects nor got high marks. Before graduating, we applied for the most famous universities for our college degrees. We were also together when we personally checked the list of qualified applicants in one of the most prestigious universities. My name was not there, but his name was. I was a little insecure but I was happy for him because he passed the qualifying exams. He was very excited to tell his parents as he called them through phone. He was smiling as he talks on the phone to his parents. His smile slowly fades moments before he hung up. I asked him what happened. Then he said, “Wag ko daw sila lolokohin. Alam naman nila na hindi ko kaya yun. Siguro daw nangopya o nagkodigo ako kung totoo man na pumasa ako.”
Ouch! I was very sad hearing that but how much more my friend?
I wonder what the disciples felt that time when they told the others, especially Thomas, about Jesus raised to life. More than that, how did Jesus feel about it? The disciples were so excited and were enthusiastically telling everyone that Jesus is alive. But here comes Thomas, with a lot of negativity in mind, telling them that it might be a mistake.
When we hear positive news from our friends, how do we react? Sometimes we connect their news to who they were or what their stories are. Just like in last week’s Gospel, are we focusing on the dead or defeated Christ? Should we focus on the resurrected and victorious Christ instead?
Jesus wants to give us happiness through the good news of His victory. This same good news is what He used when He finally revealed Himself to the disciples. And this brings us peace in our hearts similar to receiving good news that we are longing to hear.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing Your message of peace unto us. May we be more open to receive Your good news and that we may enthusiastically share it with one another. May we bring the same peace to others who have doubts in their hearts, that they may open their eyes to see Jesus standing right before them. All this we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection
By Bernard Borja
Did you ever have times in your life when you received very good news and you want everybody to know about it immediately especially your loved ones?
I remember the time when I have successfully got my first job. After the final interview, the moment when the HR manager said the magic words “You’re hired!” my heart leapt and I was so excited to tell my friends and my family about it. I sent messages to my friends and they congratulated me shortly after. I went straight home to tell my parents about it. When I saw my mom, I smiled and she asked “How was it?” then I said one of the most sweetest sounding words to her ears she longed to hear that time, “I got the job!” I saw in her eyes the same excitement I had when I heard the magic words of the manager. She was even teary eyed as she said “Thanks be to God!” It was like she was praying for it for a long time and after six months of waiting and nagging me to find a job, it has finally paid off.
It was really a very happy and peaceful feeling when you see someone you told about good news, excited and heart leaping. It is like a complete celebration because it is shared especially with someone you love. But what if the reaction is somewhat different?
I have a friend back in high school who was an average when it comes to studies. He does not fail his subjects nor got high marks. Before graduating, we applied for the most famous universities for our college degrees. We were also together when we personally checked the list of qualified applicants in one of the most prestigious universities. My name was not there, but his name was. I was a little insecure but I was happy for him because he passed the qualifying exams. He was very excited to tell his parents as he called them through phone. He was smiling as he talks on the phone to his parents. His smile slowly fades moments before he hung up. I asked him what happened. Then he said, “Wag ko daw sila lolokohin. Alam naman nila na hindi ko kaya yun. Siguro daw nangopya o nagkodigo ako kung totoo man na pumasa ako.”
Ouch! I was very sad hearing that but how much more my friend?
I wonder what the disciples felt that time when they told the others, especially Thomas, about Jesus raised to life. More than that, how did Jesus feel about it? The disciples were so excited and were enthusiastically telling everyone that Jesus is alive. But here comes Thomas, with a lot of negativity in mind, telling them that it might be a mistake.
When we hear positive news from our friends, how do we react? Sometimes we connect their news to who they were or what their stories are. Just like in last week’s Gospel, are we focusing on the dead or defeated Christ? Should we focus on the resurrected and victorious Christ instead?
Jesus wants to give us happiness through the good news of His victory. This same good news is what He used when He finally revealed Himself to the disciples. And this brings us peace in our hearts similar to receiving good news that we are longing to hear.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing Your message of peace unto us. May we be more open to receive Your good news and that we may enthusiastically share it with one another. May we bring the same peace to others who have doubts in their hearts, that they may open their eyes to see Jesus standing right before them. All this we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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