Believe, based on your own experience

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER B  19 April 2015

Believe, based on your own experience

José Antonio Pagola

It is not easy to believe in the  risen Jesus. In the final analysis it is something that can only be captured and understood on the basis of the faith that Jesus himself awakens in us. If we do not ever experience “within” the peace and the joy Jesus fills us with, it is difficult we will find proofs of his resurrection from the outside.

Luke tells us something of this when he describes the meeting of the risen Jesus with the group of disciples. There is something of everything among them. Two disciples are recounting how they recognized him at a supper with him in Emmaus. Peter says he has appeared to him. Most of them have not yet had any experience. They do not know what to think.

Then “Jesus appears in the midst of them and says: “Peace be with you.” What’s important to awaken our faith in the risen Jesus is to be able to see, even today, his presence in the midst of us, and to have circulate in our groups, communities and parishes peace, joy and the security of knowing he is alive, closely accompanying us in these very difficult times for the faith.

The account of Luke is very realistic. The presence of Jesus does not produce a transformation in the disciples as if by magic. Some are frightened and “believe they are seeing a ghost”.  Others “have unexpressed doubts” of all kinds. There are others who “cannot believe it all for joy”. Others continue to be “full of wonder”.

And so is it also today. Faith in the risen Christ  is not born in us automatically and firmly. It keeps being awakened in our hearts in a fragile and humble manner. At the beginning, it is almost only a desire. Ordinarily, it grows surrounded by doubts and questions: is it possible that something so wonderful is true?

According to the account, Jesus eats in their presence, and then takes time to “open their understanding” so that they could understand what has happened. He wants them to become witnesses, so that they can speak from their experience, and preach not in just any way, but “in his name”.

To believe in the Risen One is not a question of a day. It is a process which, at times, may last years. What matters is our inner attitude. Always trust in Jesus. Make much more room for him in each one of us and in our Christian communities.

We have to remember something very important: the person who before God sincerely wishes to believe, before that God, a Father, is already a believer.

However many doubts you may harbor within you, you can always make the following prayer: “Lord, I believe, but increase my faith.”