Here is my homily from this Thursday’s early morning Mass. God bless you!
One of the things people in my profession have come to understand in recent decades is the impact trauma has upon individuals and communities. We know that traumatic events affect people physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Often, traumatized individuals or communities fail to care for themselves physically. A person may fail to eat properly, for example. Often, they will be confused in their understanding of events. Often, they will be emotionally fearful and anxious. They will frequently question their faith, their ability to trust others and God.
In the readings from Mass during this Octave of Easter, we are hearing about a traumatized community and traumatized individuals. We are hearing of the disciples of Jesus reeling from having experienced the horrific tortures and death of their Lord, and they are suffering physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
And what does Jesus do? He heals them. Over and over again, for 50 days, Jesus appears to them and heals them.
He asks for food and wants them to eat with him, to heal them physically.
He explains to them the Scriptures to heal their confusion.
He heals their fear. How many times do we read of him saying, “Peace be with you! Do not be afraid!”
He heals them spiritually by reinforcing their faith.
Yes, Jesus is the Divine Physician. There has lived no better physician than Jesus Christ.
My friends, this is a great Easter message for all of us. Jesus heals us and Jesus lives! This is a needed message for each of us, especially when life hurts us and we feel afraid, confused, faithless or sick. Jesus comes and heals.
May we this day be filled with gratitude for the wondrous gift of Easter healing and peace. Let us go forth, confident in the Lord, to tell the whole world that Jesus lives!
Amen!
