Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

We as practicing Catholics are in a constant state of preparation. Advent is a period of preparation before the birth of our Lord. Lent is a period of preparation before Easter. Our life is a period of preparation before we meet our Lord on Judgment Day.

In our Gospel (John 3:7b-15) Jesus states to Nicodemus: "If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?" This is a very powerful statement! Jesus is telling us a lot of things as we prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus knows that the spirit of man is weak. When Jesus was here on earth, he spoke wisely explaining the scriptures. Jesus performed many miracles. Yet many would continue in their unbelief. Those closest to Jesus would demonstrate their lack of faith. Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed. Two disciples did not recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Not until the breaking of the bread were their eyes opened. (Luke 24:13-35)

Jesus ... stood in their midst and said 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas "put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God."

Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." (John 20:26-29)

So when our Lord says to Nicodemus, "If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?" our Lord knows we are going to stumble and fall on this road called life. Jesus spoke, demonstrated and taught many Godly things on earth. Sadly, many remained unbelieving. That is why he gave us these readings. Through these readings we find that our Lord is a forgiving God. He forgave Peter and made him the rock to build his church. Our Lord revealed himself to the two disciples. He rebuked Thomas for having lost faith. The thing we must remember is that he forgave them all. Our Lord is a loving and forgiving God.

We must remain steadfast in our love for Jesus. We must keep our minds and hearts open to his blessings. With an open mind and heart, we will allow the Holy Spirit to enter us. The blessing of the Holy Spirit will strengthen our belief in heaven. Remember God gave us a very special blessing:

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. (John 20:29)

Martin Gray