Scripture:
Reflection:
Peace be with you!
The vaccines for the Covid-19 virus have given us peace and hope that there is a way to live through this pandemic. We must just have faith and believe. No one knows for sure how this pandemic is going to turn out but there is a glimmer of peace and hope with the vaccines that are out now. There are some who do not believe in the vaccines at all. Some who refuse to believe no matter what they see or here. There is no reason to live if there is no hope. There is no reason to do right if there is no hope. Our work is in vain if there is no hope. The vaccine is our only hope, just like Jesus is our only hope to salvation and glory, to overcome this deadly virus. You just have to believe, trust, and have faith.
It is Jesus’ unique prerogative to invade “startled,” “terrified,” and “troubled” hearts and to bring them his eternal peace. The disciples in the Gospel are perplexed: “the author of life” was put to death, and his body has now gone missing, reported to be mysteriously risen from the dead. Jesus stood in their midst, revealing his “flesh and bones,” his “hands and his feet,” even asking for something to eat. This is no ghost, for it has been prophesied from of old, since the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, since Moses, Samuel, and all who follow suit. Our ancestors yearned to see this day. Blessed are we who are “witnesses of these things,” who have been given “minds to understand the Scriptures” and mouths to “preach in his name to all the nations.”
These are the words that our savior gives us, today in the readings, for those who believe and have faith in Him. Peace be with you. Peace to the one who has faith, hope, trust and believe in what he has done for all mankind. Faith that he is the Son of God. Faith that he has defeated death. Faith that all our sins are forgiven if we just believe. Faith that the Holy Spirit will be here to guide us until he comes again. Faith that all we must do is repent, be baptized and believe in His every word. Peace be with you!
Deacon Peter Smith serves at St. Mary’s/Holy Family Parish in Alabama, a religion teacher at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham, and a member of our extended Passionist Family.