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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: March 30, 2008
By Jean Denton
Catholic News Service
March 30, Second Sunday of Easter
Cycle A Readings:
1) Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
2) 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 20:19-31
I was happy my son telephoned today. He was just "checking in" to say hello, he said. We chatted only briefly. Neither of us had anything major to report, but I was very glad to hear his voice, and after we hung up I had a sense of joy.
I hadn't heard from my son in three weeks, which isn't so long, but he usually is in touch about once a week, so I was wondering if he was OK. In fact, I was pretty sure nothing was amiss, but there are just enough trying circumstances in his life that I had some doubts.
Speaking to him allayed my fears, giving way to the joy of knowing all was well. I had been "pretty sure" before, but now I was certain. Somehow, "pretty sure" just doesn't carry the same sense of exultation that "sure" does.
So it goes with faith.
By definition it has a flip side: doubt.
In this weekend's readings Peter explains that doubt creates a drag on our sense of joy for the salvation we will receive through Jesus. Our human life is a test, he suggests, and it carries discomfort. But in order to find salvation, we must constantly seek Jesus' presence through faith.
When we identify with Thomas in the Gospel passage, we know that Jesus will offer us moments to touch him. We have these moments when we experience acts of care, mercy, or even sacrifice. Recognizing Jesus in such moments bolsters our faith in salvation by giving us a taste of heaven.
When my son called, he didn't tell me he had resolved any problems, but the positive tenor of his conversation showed his trust in God's providence. Choosing to share it with me restored my belief in Jesus being present to both of us. At such a time, Peter notes, "Although you have not seen him you love him."
Those moments provide what Peter calls "genuineness of your faith" -- something on which to hang our belief against occasions when worldliness drags doubt back into our human experience.
QUESTIONS:
What causes you to have doubts about salvation through Christ? What was a recent experience you had of "touching" Jesus? How did it affect your doubt?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith ..." (1 Peter 1:8bc to 9a).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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