Seeing is Believing
There is magic in the moments when we hear His name. Those of us who believe
that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead feel that little uplifting of the
Spirit every time we see or hear the name of Jesus. Such power to offer peace
and add joy to our lives comes from the knowledge that He walks among us, ready
at a moment’s notice to show His face.
The
two men who walked and talked with Him shortly after He rose from the dead experienced
that when, breaking the bread at supper opened their eyes to his presence. So
too, when some of His follower's attempts to catch fish proved fruitless, He
spoke words of encouragement to them. Instructed by Him to cast their nets in a
different place, their efforts resulted in a great abundance. Immediately, they
recognized Him for who He was and rushed to shore to share their joy.
St.
Peter, knowing the full power of the name of Jesus, used it time and time again
to prove to a doubting world that Christ was there, by his side. His enemies
found it impossible to combat such a Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. The same is
true today. Jesus Christ is visible for all to see. Like Peter, He is visible
in the actions of His believers. And, we who believe easily see Him in the
world around us. This is no apparition. What we see is the risen Christ. For
us, having this vision is a source of great strength and joy.
Jesus
said to Thomas: "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." Seeing is believing.
But, it is in knowing where to look that will lift your spirits and give you
comfort and joy at the sight of the Risen Lord, walking among us.
As
Catholics we are all called to be the visible Christ in a world so desperate
for the peace and happiness He offers to all who believe in Him. One of the
best ways to do this in a world so full of daily sorrows is to share the peace,
love, and happiness they see in our lives with them, and then lead them to its
source, Jesus Christ.
The
next time a Doubting Thomas asks you the source of you happiness, give them a
peek at the Spirit of Christ you carry with you, in your heart and by your
side, filling each day with the joy that can only come from loving one another
in the most perfect way, the Christian way.
J.
Siler
