PEACE FOR THE WORLD OF WAR

The second Sunday of Easter is all about: peace, faith, forgiveness and mercy. In the context of war, the readings of today become very relevant. In the first reading we see the summary of the apostles’ mission. The apostles are continuing the mission of Jesus. They are even performing miracles which Jesus Himself was doing earlier. This causes amazement and fear among the people. For no one dare to approach the apostles because of the holiness and godliness which the apostles exhibit through their works. In Mk 6:55-56 we read about the healing of multitude through the touch of the garment of Jesus. Now, the shadow of apostles effect healing (Acts 5:15-16). Later in Acts 19:12 we would also witness, healing and exorcism that take their effect from the clothes which touched the body of St. Paul. All these are signs that Jesus whom the Jewish leaders killed and the romans certified as dead is not dead but alive. When Jesus commissioned the twelve to go around and preach the Gospel He promised them to accompany them through signs and wonders which would confirm their preaching as true (Mk 16:17). In the first reading we see that Jesus is truly accompanying the apostles through signs (Cf. Mk 16:20).

The Gospel passage begins with the message of ‘peace’ from the Risen Jesus. This event happens on the evening of the Easter Sunday. Earlier in Jn 14:27 Jesus promised to give peace that is different from the peace which the world provides. Now, in the resurrection Jesus fulfils that promise by wishing them Shalom (peace). Albeit this is addressed to the disciples gathered in the room, this peace is extending to the whole humanity, especially to the murderers of Him. The Risen Jesus does not take revenge on His murderers. (He only persecutes them by not appearing to them!). The resurrection of Jesus causes fear to His murderers as they can be revenged by Jesus. On the other hand, the resurrection of Jesus also causes fear among disciples as resurrection reveals the identity of Jesus as God. In the resurrection the definite revelation takes place: the disciples understand that the man with whom they lived with hope was not just the messenger or the messiah but God Himself. And so, there is a fear in all circles. In this context Jesus comes magnificently and says, ‘peace be with you.’

Jesus also gives the Holy Spirit by breathing on them (Jn 20:22). The Holy Spirit would come down on the apostles only on the day of Pentecost. The spirit that Jesus dispenses on the day of His resurrection is the spirit of God, which is Holy and life giving. In Gen 2:7 we read that the breath of God caused man to come into existence (life). Sadly, that breath could not provide eternal life to man as he disobeyed soon (the fall). The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus restores that fall: man gets reconciled with God. As a result, the breath of risen Jesus recreates man, thus, enabling him to enter into eternal life. Jesus breaths on whole humanity – represented by His disciples in the room – to cause, to create man, rather re-create man who is worthy to stand before God as His children. The forgiveness that He promises in the following verse (Jn 20:23) is not a commission for the disciples to preach the Gospel but the promise of benefit and disadvantage of the believers and non-believers respectively.

It is quite interesting to note that Thomas, the future apostle of India asks for a crucified sign in the risen Jesus. Who would gladden to hold the mark of a suffering in the post-victorious moment? It could be wise from the part of Thomas if he were to condition risen Jesus to appear in front of His Murderers and thus, prove them all that He is the eternal truth and the giver of life. But, Thomas asks for a weird sign! This shows that Thomas want to confirm the one who appears as risen Jesus is not someone different from the persecuted Jesus. It becomes more interesting when he sees risen Jesus with the mark of the crucifixion. Thomas is taken up by surprise when his demand for empirical sign is granted from the Lord. Thomas should have expected some denouncement and condemnation from risen Jesus for his unbelieving but he receives grace of empirical sign. Even here Jesus begins His conversation with ‘peace.’ Through His peace, Jesus forgives His murderers, He re-creates humanity and He grants mercy to the unbelieving. Thus, peace is the crux of resurrection.

On this day we also keep the Divine Mercy Sunday. The world that is torn with war and conflict needs peace. This can be effected only through forgiveness and mercy. We need the heart of forgiveness to end conflicts and we need the mercy of God to start a new. Forgiveness stops the progress of evil and mercy restores the order of life. May this world realize fast that war is not a means to attain one’s goal but a means to end humanity. Pope Francis reiterates often, “erase the war from humanity before it erases humanity.” Let the peace of risen Jesus pierce the heart of cruel leaders to end war and establish peace. 


 

Comments