I was called to visit an old person. Probably the last days of life. The person was very active in a Catholic community. However, as the parents were strong and active Catholics, the children became Protestants. They left the Church. Left probably because of the scandals. And probably because that parish community was more about social club, fundraiser, culture, traditions, and not about personal relationship with Jesus Christ and faith. The person lived with the Protestant children for the last few decades. I could sense that the Protestant way of praying is something very natural. I repeatedly heard the person praying Jesus, I love you. Jesus, you have my whole heart. Jesus, I thank you for dying on the cross, thank you that your death brought about the forgiveness of my sins. Thank you for the resurrection and the new life you gave me through it. Nevertheless, I sensed also unease and restlessness…. As I learned from the children, the person was repeatedly asking for Catholic priest. Despite the daily prayer and worship, word of God, a good family support, both physical and emotional, the person was restless. I heard confession, gave the Eucharist and anointing of the sick…. There were so much gratitude and peace suddenly. The children thanked me for taking time and traveling so long… when I was leaving, I was thinking why it is so… the word of God, worship, family prayer, is not enough. Why is this yearning for sacraments?
Conclusion is quite easy. Jesus established the sacraments. Those mysterious acts bring about the fullness of life. He did it, indeed. Scripture proves it. There is nothing wrong with praise, worship, word of God, and family devotions. All those things that Protestants do. But this is not the fullness. The fullness of life comes through the sacraments! In other words, the whole spiritual life grows, is nourished, strengthened, and fulfilled through the mysterious acts we call sacraments. St. John tells us at the end of today’s Gospel: these are written so you may believe that Jesus is the Son of God and by believing you may have life (Jn 20:31). The fulness of life!
EASTER SEASON | Diocese celebrates Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday
Jesus comes to the disciples, locked in the upper room out of fear and anxiety. He says Peace to you! Receive the Holy Spirit, to whom you will forgive; it will be forgiven. To whom you will not forgive, will not be forgiven (Jn 20:19-23). Do you see the sacrament? Do you recognize the mystery of reconciliation? The sacrament of confession? That’s for real! Jesus did it. Just as he established the sacrament of Baptism and the Eucharist and the Priesthood.
Let us not underestimate the sacraments. Especially the mystery of reconciliation and Eucharist. Let us not wait months or even years to receive reconciliation. There is an interesting detail in the gospel reading that can help and encourage us to avail ourselves of the mystery of reconciliation.
The disciples are locked because they were afraid. Anxiety overtook them. They were afraid that they might end up as Jesus, their master. There is another reason as well. They were locked and anxious because they failed. They betrayed him. The sense of failure, unworthiness, and frustration for what they have done or failed to do. Do you remember? Simon Peter and Thomas were telling him I will die with you! (Jn 11:16; 13:37) Peter wanted to offer his life for Jesus and when asked by a servant, he denied. They left him alone (Mt 26:56). They ran away. They were trying to save themselves and did not care about their master. They have forgotten all the miracles.
FAITH | Ohio State Newman Center sees 260 percent increase in student conversions
Yet, when Jesus appears to them, he enters, not only the locked room, but he enters their locked hearts. Locked by shame and frustration. He did not rebuke them. He didn’t pull out what they have promised, and how they betrayed him, left behind, did not keep a word… he brings them peace! Peace to you! They look at him, hearing his voice they rejoice. Jesus brought to them forgiveness. He showed them his wounds, the signs of the immense suffering and death, but not to despise or judge them. By this he freed them. They needed liberation and healing. We need this liberation as well, because our hearts remain restless until we meet Jesus’ forgiveness. Do not hesitate!