Tested By Fire

Second Sunday of Easter
30 March 2008

First reading: Acts 2:42 - 47
They remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.

The many miracles and signs worked through the apostles made a deep impression on everyone.

The faithful all lived together and owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and shared out the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed.

They went as a body to the Temple every day but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved.

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 117

Second reading: 1 Peter 1:3 - 9
Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth as his sons, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so that we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away, because it is being kept for you in the heavens. Through your faith, God’s power will guard you until the salvation which has been prepared is revealed at the end of time. This is a cause of great joy for you, even though you may for a short time have to bear being plagued by all sorts of trials; so that, when Jesus Christ is revealed, your faith will have been tested and proved like gold – only it is more precious than gold, which is corruptible even though it bears testing by fire – and then you will have praise and glory and honour. You did not see him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him, you are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described, because you believe; and you are sure of the end to which your faith looks forward, that is, the salvation of your souls.

Gospel: John 20:19 - 31
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.
‘As the Father sent me,
so am I sending you.’

After saying this he breathed on them and said:
‘Receive the Holy Spirit.
For those whose sins you forgive,
they are forgiven;
for those whose sins you retain,
they are retained.’

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe’. Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.

Reflection
By Elizabeth R Eguia

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.

All of us went through different trials and pains in life. I remember college and high school days when I use to accompany my mom on weekends at San Lazaro racetrack in Manila. We have a small “carinderia” and I used to do cooking, serving the food and washing the plates. It was a very very tiring task. We were standing the whole day, I got burns on my arms and hands while cooking, cuts while chopping the chicken, and very tired feet. I usually get angry, my face frowning as I questioned why is it that all dirty works are done by me when my other siblings were just at home and also my classmates are enjoying out with barkada and having fun. But I went along with it and continued to help my mom until I got a job after schooling. I also remembered that at times even if we were tired, we still make a point to hear mass on Sundays. Worn out yes, but still we have to stick with the source of everything. Then trials came in the family, my mom getting hospitalized, my aunt got operated in the head. I never imagined that we can get through it, that I can get through it. Evenings I stayed in the hospital, mornings I have to run home to check things. I talked to the doctor, took care of medical papers, etc. It was hard but my faith, my belief and strong hold on that very source of life made me strong.

Today, things are getting better. Trials will be there I know. But experiences sometimes help us to be more confident to handle things most especially if we continue to be with God. Sometimes it also became a good reminder to me or to others when I share the story of my life. I never get ashamed or shy to say it as long as I know that sharing them gives glory to God for what He has done for me. So whatever you may be experiencing right now, just hold on, keep up the faith, and cling to God. It will be hard but it will be a worthwhile experience. He will give you the strength to move on.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our guide and our strength as we face our trials and pains. It is hard Lord but with You, our burdens become light. Continue to lead us as we move on, not doing our will but living it in accordance with Your will. Amen.