April 19, Divine Mercy Sunday

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.--Psalm 118:1

Mass readings: Acts 4:32-35 / 1 John 5:1-6 / John 20:19-31

Life in the Upper Room

What was it like in the upper room during that week between when Jesus appeared to the eleven and then appeared to Thomas? Scripture doesn't say, but we might speculate. Did the others try to nag Thomas into belief? Did he begin to resent them? Or did they simply, quietly, live the joy of the resurrection and witness to Christ's sacrificial love? Whatever happened that week, it was when Jesus showed Thomas the signs of that sacrificial love in His wounded hands and side that Thomas came to believe.

We might say we live our whole lives in the upper room, among people who, like Thomas, do not believe. If we can show the signs of Christ's sacrificial love in our actions, perhaps we may, with God's grace, open the way to belief for others.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to come to life in Your love.