2B EASTER HOMILY, JOHN 20:19-31 APRIL 7, 2024
1. STORY
On April 15, 1912, the passenger ship, Titanic, sank killing over 1,000
passengers. During the last hour
before the ship sank, a priest, Fr. Thomas Byles, gathered a group of
over 100 passengers and lead them in prayers and songs to prepare them for
their death. He forgave them their sins.
He told them that Jesus loved them and
had prepared a place for them in heaven. He wanted them to have peace in their hearts. He followed the example of Jesus who
brought peace to the disciples and wants us to have peace in our lives.
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 20:19-31
A. JESUS BRINGS PEACE TO THE DISCIPLES.
The disciples were deeply saddened over the death of Jesus. They were in great fear of the Jews who might punish them by putting them in prison or even worse. Jesus went to them and greeted them by saying “Peace be with you.” The disciples rejoiced when they saw him.
B. JESUS BRINGS PEACE TO THOMAS.
Thomas did not believe the disciples when they said that Jesus was alive. Christ appeared to him and could have been very angry and harsh with Thomas. No, Jesus greeted him with “Peace be with you.” Jesus brought peace to doubting Thomas.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. JESUS BRINGS US PEACE.
Many are troubled over their problems such as ill health, financial
matters, conflicts at home or at work, failures they have encountered, loneliness,
or a lack of love. Jesus brings us
peace.
i) He is with us at all times no matter if we are happy or sad,
sick or well, rich or poor.
ii) He always forgives us our sins and failings no matter how big
or small.
iii) He provides us with spiritual food, the Eucharist, to keep us
spiritually strong.
iv) He provides us with guidance through the Church and the
bible.
v) He provides us with his example. Though he suffered very much during his life on earth, in the end he was victorious; he rose from the dead so will we rise to eternal life.
B. WE BRING PEACE TO OTHERS.
We ask Jesus to help us become instruments of peace.
i) When we are willing to forgive others or ask for forgiveness, we bring peace
to others.
ii) When we are kind to others in word and deed, we bring peace to
others.
iii) When we listen to others who are sad, unhappy or lonely, we
bring peace to them.
iv) When we help those who are poor, hungry, or homeless, we bring peace to them. When we are peacemakers, Jesus brings us his peace.
4. CONCLUSION
Fr. Thomas Byles brought peace to those who were about to die
by praying and singing with them. Jesus
brought peace to the frightened disciples and to the doubting Thomas by
greeting them with “Peace be with you.” We
too are instruments of peace by our kindness, forgiveness, listening, and
material support. We thank Jesus for
bringing us peace by our kindness, forgiveness, listening, and
material support. We thank Jesus
for bringing us his peace. We ask him to
help us to be instruments of peace. When
we bring peace to others, Jesus will bring his peace to us.
