The Gospel on this Sunday after Easter is the story of Thomas saying that he wouldn’t believe that Jesus had appeared to the other disciples unless he saw the marks on Jesus’ crucified body. We know that “seeing” can often lead to “believing.” Jesus is amazing and appears for a second time when Thomas is there. He shows Thomas his wounded body and it is enough for Thomas to say, “My Lord and My God!” Doubting is normal even when it comes to faith. Doubt can lead to a clearer understanding of what we believe and help us be stronger in our belief. There is so much in our culture today that can heighten our doubting, but as Christians it is good to look for those experiences, those people, and those events that deepen our belief. They are there. Be aware of them as you go through this week.
This is the eighth day in the Octave of Easter. Our newly baptized will be wearing their white baptismal robes at the 5:00 PM Sunday Mass. We are blessed to have seven new members of our faith community and 13 members who completed their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations! They will be continuing the Rite of Initiation in a period known as “mystagogia” during the month of May. Our next RCIA will begin in September, but if people are interested in knowing more about the program, contact Joe Nuzzi here at the church 212-736-8500 or jnuzzi@stfrancisnyc.org. The program is for those who have not been baptized or those who were never confirmed.
Join us for the Via Lucis, the Stations of the Resurrection, every Friday after the 12:30 and 5:30 Masses during the Easter season. This is an inspiring, prayerful experience of the events after Jesus’ Resurrection.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.