Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday of Divine Mercy
There are many Catholics today, who, after receiving the sacraments, no longer come to church for Mass. One of the many reasons they have is that God is present everywhere, so they can pray anytime, anywhere. They believe that they do not need to join the church for Holy Mass.
Thomas was not with his community when Jesus first appeared to them. Still having that crisis brought by the death of Jesus, he refused to believe the story of his companions that Jesus was alive. He said, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." He doubted not Jesus, but the account of his community. He desired to personally see and touch Jesus for himself.
When he was finally with the community, and Jesus appeared to them again, Thomas experienced Jesus’ kindness and mercy. Instead of condemning Thomas for his doubts and unbelief, Jesus let Thomas feel and experience His Real Presence. It was an intimate encounter with Jesus. 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." With that, Thomas replied with great faith, "My Lord and my God!"
Yes, it is true that God is present everywhere and that we can pray to Him at anytime, but, His presence in the Holy Eucharist is personal and unique, for it is Jesus Himself. His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist is par excellence.
On the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), it is written, (I quote), "In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist. (End of quote).
This presence is not everywhere. It is only in the Holy Eucharist. And we can only and intimately experience God’s Real Presence by gathering and worshiping together as a community. Let us be like the "doubting Thomas" who deeply desired to touch Jesus personally. Jesus granted him that experience. He will do the same for us if we gather with our community around the Table of the Lord.
Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS
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