Commentary
John 20: 19-23
"Jesus Came and Stood in their Midst"
The disciples were afraid. They still locked themselves behind closed doors. This still happened though two of them, Peter and the other disciple, had seen the empty tomb (John 20: 7-8). Moreover, the Risen Christ had appeared to Mary of Magdala and spoken to her. She then told them, "I have seen the Lord" (20:18).
Yet the disciples were still afraid.
The witness of others at times might not be enough.
To his fearful disciples, the Risen Christ "came and stood in their midst." His presence alone can shatter their fear. More than that, the Risen and living Lord turns their fear into peace and joy. [1]
Only an encounter with the Risen and living Christ can have such an effect.
And he strengthens the weak and fearful disciples with his gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Risen and living Lord continues to be with us in his words, his EucharistA, in the community gathered together, and when we touch his wounded body in the wounded members of His Body.
There, he comes and stands in our midst.
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[1] Francis J. Moloney, The Gospel of John; Sacra Pagina Series, p. 531
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
This blog intends to provide readers an opportunity to be nourished by the Word of God. It invites readers to read, reflect and pray the Gospel passage that they will hear during the upcoming Sunday's Liturgy. With the commentaries provided, readers have the possibility of studying and meditating on the Word. Finally, readers are invited to share their reflections, thus creating an on-line lectio divina/faith sharing group, and so sustaining each other in the faith and the love for God's Word.
About Me
- Fr. Dominic Danh Tran, SDB
- I am a Salesian of Don Bosco
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