While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” (Gospel for April 18, Lk 24:36-39)
After Jesus rose from the dead, the apostles were confused and afraid. But showing them his wounds, Jesus proved his identity. Whenever we find ourselves confused or fearful, let us remember that Christ is risen, and that it was “by his wounds we were healed” (Is 53:5). If Christ had not suffered and died, he could not have risen from the dead: without Good Friday; there would be no Easter Sunday. May we unite our suffering to Christ’s, rejoice always in his resurrection and base our lives on his peace and presence among us.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, ideally on Good Friday, I challenge you to visit your local parish and pray the Stations of the Cross. Second, I challenge you to participate in the Faith in Action Good Friday Family Promotion program to aid your fellow parishioners in remembering Christ’s passion, in anticipation of his resurrection.
Questions for Reflection:
When you are suffering, do you tend to find yourself forgetting God or drawing closer to him? What does it mean to “offer it up” when we are suffering? How does the reality of Christ’s resurrection offer us comfort, peace and hope during the trials and tribulations of this life?