Active Membership Pillar: Faithful Participation at Sunday Mass and Holy Days

The gospel this week begins on the evening of the resurrection day, with the disciples gathered behind locked doors “for fear of the Jews.” Despite the locked doors, Jesus suddenly appears among them. His first words are, “Peace be with you.” The disciples, still processing the trauma of the crucifixion, are now encountering the risen Lord in the flesh.

Jesus shows them His hands and side, offering physical proof of His identity and bodily resurrection. Their fear turns into joy, marking a transformation in their understanding. The resurrection is not a rumor; it is real, and Jesus is truly alive. He repeats His greeting of peace and then commissions them: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” This establishes the disciples' role as witnesses and representatives of Christ in the world. Then Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This symbolic act emphasizes their empowerment for ministry.

Every week at Mass we are invited to encounter Jesus, in the flesh, through the Eucharist. We are invited to turn our fear into faith and continue Jesus’ work in the world; to go forth and spread the Good News. He forgives our sins so we can forgive others. He offers us His peace. Each part of the Mass is derived from this experience that His apostles had that evening. Every Sunday, we are able to participate fully in this evening, as well. We are able to “rinse and repeat” by renewing our faith, seeking and sharing peace, re-establishing our mission and learning how to forgive through God’s gift of forgiveness for us. This weekly experience is a gift that needs to be accepted over and over again, every week, in order to strengthen our own discipleship in carrying Christ’s message to the world.