Second Reading: 1 Jn 2:1-5
We are in the third Sunday
of Easter. Even today we have a Gospel passage about the resurrection of the
Lord. The event of today's Gospel happens immediately after the return of two disciples
who went to Emmaus. Upon their arrival, they explain what had happened on their
way to Emmaus and how they recognized the Lord in the Breaking the bread. While
this reporting is taking place, Jesus comes and stand amidst them. He greets
them with ‘peace’. The presence of the risen Lord startles them. They think that
they are seeing a ghost due their knowledge about Greek mythology which has
belief in the existence of animal and dead spirits. However the appearance of
the risen Lord is not an appearance of the spirit of dead Jesus. He comes and
stands in a closed room with a body. His passage into a closed room and sudden
disappearance makes the disciples to see the risen Lord as ghost. Jesus having
understood their limitation helps them comprehend the mystery of the
resurrection.
In the first place Jesus
tries to prove that it is really He not a ghost that they are seeing. Showing
of His hands and body makes the disciples to understand the new reality that is
breaking out with the resurrection of Jesus; this earthly life alone is no more
an only reality, beyond this earthly life there is another lasting reality.
When Jesus could not make them convinced of His bodily resurrection He
strengthens the evidence by eating some food in front of them. Thirdly He makes
them understand the scriptures which had foretold about Him and the events
surrounding Him. All these things help the disciples to chew the new mystery –
the resurrection – for which they are the first recipients. This is also a
lesson for us to have belief in resurrection of one’s body and not to be taken
up by any myth or media productions that propagate ghost culture.
In the second reading St
John point out that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. Whenever we sin, we
need not be afraid of the punishment. With the resurrection of Jesus we have a
means to atone for our sins and receive mercy. Of course we should refrain from
committing sin but we fall into sin due to limitation and lack of will. That time
we should not be afraid to have recourse to the mercy of God. In the first reading,
Peter appeals to his listeners to have repentance. He says that we have killed
the author of life (Acts 3:15). But that doesn’t instigate God to take revenge.
This is the good news of resurrection. No wonder why Jesus says, “Peace to you”
upon His appearance. In the second part of the second reading, St. John invites
the believers to be truthful, authentic and integrated. Proclamation of Jesus
as Lord alone is not enough, rather we need to show the Lordship of Jesus in
our conduct. Truthful living consists in fulfilling the commandments of God.
As we are in the season of
Easter that celebrates life and light, let us resolve ourselves to follow the
light of Christ. In doing so, we become a light for others. In this way we live
a truthful life.
Reflective
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