...and Paul, Thomas’ lesson

Easter Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ victory over death, a foretaste of our own victory over earthly trials and sufferings, as we journey to the heavenly realm. This is our faith. This is Christianity’s foundation.

This is what St Paul proclaimed: “Now that we have been united with him in his death (by renouncing sin), we will certainly be also united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6: 5).

If Christ had not been raised, then our faith would be without substance. Similarly, if Christ is not risen in us, in the very core of our mind, heart and soul, then our faith is still unyielding to the promptings of the divine love.

The apostles, except for Thomas, had seen the Lord. After much doubting, despite the evidence, they had now become convinced of the risen Christ. But they failed to persuade Thomas.

He said: “Unless I have seen the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails, and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

The Lord appeared and spoke to Thomas: “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” (John 20:25-29).

It is the same with us. Like Thomas we demand evidence, proof we can touch and see. Like Thomas we doubt and question the validity of endless testimony of martyrs who gave their life for their faith.

It is so hard to believe before a personal encounter with the risen Christ who compassionately yearns to give us abundant life.

This is the meaning of Easter. Together with Paul we proclaim: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20) To live the risen Christ is to throw open the doors of our heart to him alone, to abandon the culture of death which enslaves the flesh and chokes our divine calling.

To celebrate Easter is to stand in awe and silence before God and let the outpouring of His Spirit consume all our desires.