Born Anew to a Living Hope

This day opens on many important events. It is the Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, Beatification of John Paul II, and International Workers Day It is possible that the texts from the Roman Catholic lectionary might be able to tie together these important celebrations. The titles from the text include Jesus Appears to the Disciples, Jesus and Thomas, A Living Hope and Life among the Believers. John Paul II often encouraged people not to be afraid to be saints. The canonization of Saints during his pontificate became an example of the personal holiness to which John Paul encouraged all to strive. The psalmist proclaims the “(Psalm 118:22) the stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” This truth is certainly applies to Jesus as we continue with the 50 days of the Easter season. John Paul II extended the observance of Divine Mercy Sunday, the reflection on the forgiveness of sin through the infinite mercy of God as is initiated as visible Sacrament in the words of the text from John’s Gospel. Peter reflects on the ‘living hope” which is the fruit of Jesus Resurrection. This hope continues his journey to deepen holiness even as some trials are suffered along the way. The “boots on the ground” to be living in pursuit of holiness through the intimate relationship with Jesus include the workers who are recognized today. John Paul wrote in one of his encyclicals of the ability of work to be the means whereby we can participate as “co-creator” of the physical and social world which may become the setting described in Acts as “Life among the Believers”.