St Nicholas

A Reflection From Fr Ron

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This Weeks Readings:

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Acts 5:27-32

Psalm 118:14-29

Revelation 1:4-8

Gospel according to John 20: 19-31

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Dear Friends,

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THE PEACE OF FAITH…John 20: 19-31

Some Bible readings are about faith, hope and love; today’s Gospel is about faith, doubt – and peace.
It’s a beautiful thing that Jesus says, each time he returns to his disciples: ‘Peace be with you!’

I don’t know if you have ever noticed, but each time he says it, the words are punctuated with an exclamation mark (!) – in other words it is Jesus’ emphatic message to the group of disciples, who we need to remember, all but abandoned him after his arrest, when he needed them most.

Jesus, in offering this greeting each time he appears before the disciples seems to imply that reconciliation and peace are interchangeable notions – which of course they are.

Given the actions of the disciples who would blame Thomas for doubting? Think for a minute who is telling him that Jesus has risen and appeared: the same guys who ran away! And suddenly there is Jesus before him, appearing and confirming – and bringing Thomas peace, and presumably, peace between Thomas and the other disciples whom Thomas had challenged.

Lord, we need the peace of faith from you, so that reconciliation can be complete between peoples.

Risen Faith and Peace to you. 

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Fr Ron.