Joy and Fear
After the Resurrection, the Scriptures recount at least six or seven appearances of Jesus. There is His meeting with Mary Magdalene at the tomb. He accompanies two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He invites the disciples to join him for breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. His sudden appearance to the disciples in the upper room behind closed doors is mentioned several times.
Both Luke and John’s Gospels describe the Ascension in which Jesus was taken up to heaven before the eyes of His disciples. There are, no doubt, many more appearances which were never recorded, and it is difficult to imagine that Jesus did not go to see His mother before he appeared to anyone else. At times, I try to imagine what it must have been like to see Jesus alive again, after witnessing his excruciating passion and death. What joy and exaltation there must have been (as well as sorrow for betrayals, abandonment, and the like) at even a glimpse of him!
Testimony and Doubt
The readings for today are full of the mysteries of witness and belief. In prior accounts, the women run from the tomb with the good news only to be disbelieved. Thomas the Apostle makes an issue of not believing that his companions have seen Jesus. Even after all their time with Jesus, hearing His words and seeing His works, the disciples cannot accept Him at His word. They need signs and miracles in order to put aside their fear and mourning and believe that He is truly risen, much less testify to the miracle. John remarks, “But the one who comes from heaven is above all.” He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. (Jn. 3:31-32)
We are Witnesses of These Things
By contrast, in the first reading, Peter and the Apostles risk death to witness to the resurrection of the Lord. No longer fearful, they speak boldly to the Sanhedrin and make clear where their priorities lie. We, too, have a choice to make now. We can accept the gift of the spirit that is so liberally poured out on us. And testify to what we have “seen and heard.” Nothing has changed in the world, and yet everything has changed. We can be alert to the miracles that happen all around us, often in small and hidden ways. And we can share them with everyone, cooperating with “the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
