Second Sunday of Easter

by Rev. Jovy Roldan  |  04/27/2025  |  From the Clergy

This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Easter. Holy Mother Church exhorts us to continue to possess the joy and hope that is in our hearts because of the Resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear another resurrection narrative. St. John, the Evangelist tells us the story of the encounter of the disciples with the risen Jesus. It happened on the evening of the first day of the week. The disciples were gathered in a closed room because they were afraid that the Jews would persecute them just like what they did to Jesus. It was during this time when the Lord made His presence felt to His beloved disciples.

They saw Jesus whom they loved and followed greet them with His usual greeting: “Peace be with you!” Thomas, one of the twelve disciples was not around. So, when the other apostles told him what they saw, Thomas doubted their words and vowed to believe only in the resurrection of Jesus when he sees Him face to face. For this, he was tagged the “doubting Thomas.” The presence of Jesus brings peace and consolation. All who come to Him experience the happiness and contentment that they need in this life. The peace of Jesus is not the peace that this world offers. This peace of Jesus is deeply rooted in the message of the Kingdom which, according to Saint Paul is “righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17). The peace that comes from Jesus is one that gives the abundance of God’s graces. The peace of Jesus leads us to share that same peace to others, most especially to those who are most in need of it.

Today, we need to be reminded always that God is with us always. As Christians, we profess that Jesus walks always with us and He is our constant companion in our journey of faith and life. With Him at our side, what else can we ask for? He who said, “Fear not, I am the First and the Last, and the Living One; I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18). God is with us always. Like Peter and the other disciples, we, too, can bring His blessing to others and perform many signs and wonders through our hands (cf. Acts 5:12). Thomas doubted Jesus’ presence because of despair and disappointment. Let us learn from his experience. Let us open our eyes to Jesus’ presence in our lives and discover the peace that is with us. And in discovering that peace, let us share it to others.

-Rev. Jovy Roldan