Author: Rahil Houssarini
In the Maronite Church, New Sunday marks the eighth day of the celebration of the
season of Resurrection. On this day, we reflect on Jesus’ second appearance to the
Apostles, and His first appearance to the Apostle Thomas. In this passage, Jesus
teaches us that those who believe without seeing will receive His promises of Light: the
promise that they may see His radiant face.
Do not Doubt but Believe
When time drags, hope begins to dim. We may become unsure and doubtful that God is
truly faithful. Will God keep His word? Will the Lord return? Is it worth the wait?
Jesus reminds us of what He wills for us to be: people of faith. People who believe even
though they do not see. Unlike Thomas, an Apostle of Christ, who would not believe in
the resurrection unless He saw and touched, Jesus calls us to be disciples of faith and
trust; followers who abandon themselves to the true word of Truth Himself.
"Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday."
- Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
For many of us, faith may be an uphill battle as we try to see God through our
difficulties. We may weep and lament like Mary Magdalene, or lack courage like the
disciples who fled from the Cross. But we must never lose sight of God who is so tender
and faithful. We must listen as He whispers in our hearts, “What is wrong my child, why
are you weeping? Do you not believe that I am with you always?” We become afraid to
look towards Him and believe that it is truly God who stands before us. Yet, as we sit in
our confusion and our disbelief, Jesus greets our weary hearts as He greeted His
disciples: “Peace be with you” (John 20:26).
“Peace be with you”
Every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy we are reminded of the light and peace God
that has been made evident to us. We partake in His resurrection and see for ourselves
His promises of Light. As Jesus appeared to Thomas saying, “Peace be with you”
(John 20:26), He greets us with his peace. Jesus presents His wounds to us, just like
He did to the Apostle Thomas. He sits by us in our battle, in our agony, in our
Gethsemane. But, I am urged to question why we should become distraught by the little
adversities around us. Let us rejoice like Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (John
20:28). Has He not shown us that there is Resurrection after Death, light after darkness,
and roses after the thorns?
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29)
The Maronite Faith has a beautiful way of conveying the promises of Light to the world.
Every time we Maronites celebrate the Divine Liturgy, we stand up with our resurrected
and glorified Lord. We testify His light. Letting our faith be made evident of His
promises. We must strive to be ready, standing tall like a cedar of Lebanon, waiting to
greet our Savior when He returns. Allow your heart to open to Him. Allow His presence
to come as he whispers so gently, “Don't doubt my promises to you, My promises of
Light”. Don’t be afraid. Arise, have more faith! Your life is in His hands.
The Year of Prayer
In this year of prayer, we must draw ever closer to our Lord’s promises of light and know
that He does not want us to doubt but only to believe. Just as the Apostles requested
that the Lord, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5), may we approach and receive this
increase of faith too. Just as Thomas saw the living promise, let us always truly trust
that Jesus is present in our lives, especially in the Blessed Sacrament. We are His
witnesses, just like the Apostles. Every time we receive him, let us go out and rejoice!
Therefore, keep your eyes on Him, to witness His glory in all circumstances.
“O Lord, enlighten our eyes with the light of the morning of your
resurrection, so that we may have the undoubting faith of the holy women
and apostles. May we have full confidence in you, and be worthy to obtain
from you the joy you grant to those who have believed without having
seen.”
- New Sunday Safro (Morning) Prayer
Rahil is 2024 Spiritual Coordinator of UniMaronite
