Jn. 20: 19-31
It was a Christmas morn, marked by the biting cold of winter. However, the snow around the place was red; it was not the Christmas decoration. It was the blood of German and British soldiers of the Ist World War. That morning the British soldiers were surprised by the Christmas wish of German soldiers in English. First, they thought that it was a crooked trick of the Germans. Soon they saw them unarmed in no man’s land. They shook hand and wished each other the warmth of Christmas, shared plum pudding, cigarettes, sang carol and songs. Some German soldiers lit Christmas trees close to their trenches… they forgot the rivalry that day and took a holiday from bloodshed because it was the birthday of the prince of peace…
One of the constant greetings of the risen Christ was ‘peace be with you.’ If we glace through scriptures, we understand that one of Messiah’s attributes was ‘the prince of peace.’ Jewish people ardently believed that Messiah would re-establish the throne of David and they would enjoy peace forever. In the book of Prophet Zechariah, we read prophecy concerning this future prince of peace: “he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.”(Zech. 9:10) When Jesus was born, the Good News that angels shared with shepherd was: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”(Lk. 2:14)On Passion Sunday, we commemorated Jesus entering into Jerusalem as prince of peace. Still, Jewish religious leaders failed to recognize this prince of peace, considered him a mutiny cause, and crucified him.
Why did Jesus give this greeting of peace repeatedly to his disciples? After the death of Jesus, the disciples were more frightened than before. They frightened that anytime Jewish authorities could arrest and punish them. Therefore, this greeting of Jesus had a profound meaning for them. It was not a mere salutation from the part of Jesus; instead, it was a reminder for them to live in the light of the resurrection. In today’s gospel, we see how Jesus calmed down their troubled mind. He breathes the Holy Spirit and strengthens their fragile will. He commissioned them with divine authority to forgive sins. Jews ardently believed that only God could forgive sins. Jesus hands over this divine authority to his apostles so that they may become his merciful face to all whom they are sent.
We see Thomas’ first encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus invites him to experience his risen body because he knew that Thomas was disturbed in the heart of heart. He could not witness the first apparition of the risen Christ. These gestures of Jesus were meant to empower them to live in peace even when their surroundings are troubled by various factors. Therefore the peace that Jesus offers is not a cosy and comfortable life; we see apostles, other disciples and early Christians how much they had to suffer for their faith. They had to live in constant threat of persecution. However, they could experience internal peace and serenity because their life was filled with the risen Christ’s peace that they were not all alone and one who conquered death was with them.
Today we celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday. The revelation that Jesus gave to St. Faustina, his Secretary of divine mercy, to trust in his unconditional mercy and to experience His peace in our lives. Jesus revealed to her this message: ‘My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for my kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life – for yourself, but also for other souls, especially such as are distrustful of My goodness.” (No. 1488)
Dear friends, today Jesus shares the same greeting with all of us. At this moment in our lives, we may be experiencing problems that disturb our peace of mind. We need to recognize the risen saviour, one who can transcend our problems and be present with us. Let us surrender all our fears, anxieties and elements of doubt at his feet and let us prepare ourselves to receive his Spirit so that we may become the face of Divine Mercy to whomever we come in contact. May the Divine Mercy touch and transform our lives. Jesus we trust in you… Amen…