Peace and Joy

April 7,2013

Reading 1, Acts 5:12-16

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Reading 2, Revelation 1:9-11, 12-13, 17-19

Gospel, John 20:19-31

^“20 and, after saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord,

²¹ and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. 'As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.' “John 20:20-21

Peace and Joy

First Sunday after the Resurrection Sunday. I imagine the joy and peace that the disciples had when they saw Jesus alive and in their midst. Jesus showed his disciples his hands and his side to prove to them that He is truly alive and not a ghost. It was and is up till today a proof that Jesus is indeed our Lord and Savior! That He had triumphed over death!

The Easter Sunday celebration I attended in SMX MOA impressed in my heart the joy of the Resurrected Christ! My whole family was there and we had so much happiness and love from everyone who were there. There was so much peace and joy in our hearts. We felt Jesus presence in our midst even if he has not shown His physical presence. We believe that He has risen and He does not even have to show His hands and side to prove it. We have felt His mighty presence from the songs, from the people who had gathered in the celebration, from the people who shared their lives, and from the preachers who shared their testimonies.

I really thank God for he has commissioned His disciples to spread the good news of His resurrection, and His Lordship, His Power, His Love. Jesus did not only appear to His beloved disciples but he made sure they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and commissioned them by saying to them again “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.” John 20:21

We are also tasked, or better yet, all commissioned as believers of Christ to continue to proclaim in our lives to all people specially those marginalized by the society. The poor and helpless. Those who are sick physically or financially. Those who are hopeless! That our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Just like the disciples, we are not just made believers but missionaries to bring peace, joy and love to one another! In our deeds, words, and most importantly in our works or actions.

PRAYERS

Lord almighty Father, we thank You for giving us your only Son to live with us and die for our sins and conquer death on the cross. We thank you Father for the continuing mission of the disciples handed down to our pope, bishops, and all the clergy from generation to generations. We ask you to continue to bless all people with Peace and Joy that your Resurrected Son gave the disciples from that very first Easter Sunday to our present and till eternity! In Jesus name we pray! Amen