2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C - 26/04/2019 - Gospel: Jn 20:19-31
Climate change
Those who are pro the climate change debate argue that, the rain patterns around the globe have changed with long dry- spell record- breaking, and that the El Nino frequently happening are proofs of climate change. They demand their governments to reduce green house gas emissions. Those who are sceptical about climate change say, drawing conclusions on short- term trends is insufficient. For them the fluctuations of weather are phenomena, rather than proof of climate change. Furthermore, they claim the local geographical positions of weather stations give records for local areas only, and are incorrect regarding the generalization of global warming.
Some people believe that evidence is helpful; others say it does nothing other than stating the facts. The Passion of Jesus showed both these schools of thought. Jesus' opponents tried hard to produce evidence and witnesses to prove their case, that Jesus was guilty. Pilate, on the other hand, publicly declared, that he found no case against Jesus. Of the two criminals, who were hanged on crosses beside Jesus, one believed that Jesus was innocent and the Saviour of the world. He asked Jesus to forgive the wrongs he had done. The other refused to change. At the time of Jesus' death, the sky was darkened for hours, and the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom. Jesus' executioners all saw the signs, but not all of them repented, only a few confessing that Jesus was the Son of God. Some believed Jesus was a good man. This is the view which proves to be popular in today's world. No one denies Jesus' wisdom and his death but when it comes to his resurrection they stop short. What made these people do what they did? We don't know. They alone knew the answer. Signs and evidence are helpful when they strengthen faith. Faith that is based on signs and evidence is a risky business because it is a good home ground for superstition to brew.
The opponents of Jesus showed, they were worried about Jesus' resurrection for the purpose of stopping the good news, by giving the suppression orders. On the other hand, Jesus' apostles were filled with joy when they saw the Lord. When they told Thomas, he refused to believe, because he was not there when Jesus appeared to them. Thomas demanded proof from the other apostles. They were unable to provide what Thomas asked for. They had no proof, but they felt their hearts changed with the cheerful face, and the assurances of hope, but it could be anything, not enough to convince Thomas.
Evidence is useful for the sake of argument. When it comes to the question of faith, it is not merely evident, but openness and change of heart that leads to having faith in Jesus. God's heart was displayed on the cross and those who respond with a change of heart will meet the Risen Lord. Any attempt to find evidence of Jesus' resurrection outside a person's heart is impossible. The starting point is from a person's heart. No one has ever been willing to die for me. This alone is good enough for me to love Him.
Some people believe that evidence is helpful; others say it does nothing other than stating the facts. The Passion of Jesus showed both these schools of thought. Jesus' opponents tried hard to produce evidence and witnesses to prove their case, that Jesus was guilty. Pilate, on the other hand, publicly declared, that he found no case against Jesus. Of the two criminals, who were hanged on crosses beside Jesus, one believed that Jesus was innocent and the Saviour of the world. He asked Jesus to forgive the wrongs he had done. The other refused to change. At the time of Jesus' death, the sky was darkened for hours, and the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom. Jesus' executioners all saw the signs, but not all of them repented, only a few confessing that Jesus was the Son of God. Some believed Jesus was a good man. This is the view which proves to be popular in today's world. No one denies Jesus' wisdom and his death but when it comes to his resurrection they stop short. What made these people do what they did? We don't know. They alone knew the answer. Signs and evidence are helpful when they strengthen faith. Faith that is based on signs and evidence is a risky business because it is a good home ground for superstition to brew.
The opponents of Jesus showed, they were worried about Jesus' resurrection for the purpose of stopping the good news, by giving the suppression orders. On the other hand, Jesus' apostles were filled with joy when they saw the Lord. When they told Thomas, he refused to believe, because he was not there when Jesus appeared to them. Thomas demanded proof from the other apostles. They were unable to provide what Thomas asked for. They had no proof, but they felt their hearts changed with the cheerful face, and the assurances of hope, but it could be anything, not enough to convince Thomas.
Evidence is useful for the sake of argument. When it comes to the question of faith, it is not merely evident, but openness and change of heart that leads to having faith in Jesus. God's heart was displayed on the cross and those who respond with a change of heart will meet the Risen Lord. Any attempt to find evidence of Jesus' resurrection outside a person's heart is impossible. The starting point is from a person's heart. No one has ever been willing to die for me. This alone is good enough for me to love Him.
Written by Fr Vũđình Tường
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
