The Holy Gospel that the Liturgy presents to us on this second Sunday of Easter, is one of the most well-known, discussed, and appreciated — the meeting of the Risen Lord with St. Thomas. Jesus’ response to Thomas, after he recognized Him as ‘My Lord and my God’, has a mysterious fascination that must relate not so much to the disciples—those who ‘have seen’—but rather to those, like us, who were added to their number after- wards. ‘You have come to believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’ (Jn 20:29)

Dear Sisters and Brothers: A JOYFUL, LIBERATING EASTER! What an extravagant love God has for us, His beloved children! Every year, we are given the grace-filled opportunity to celebrate and enter deeply into the great mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrec- tion. This is God’s own doing, the only way He could save us from eternal damnation for disobedience by our first parents that we all share. Jesus Christ was born for us. Jesus Christ lived for us. Jesus Christ died for us. Jesus Christ rose from the dead for us!