In this week’s reading, Jesus demonstrates the reality of his risen body and uses the Scriptures to help his disciples grasp what has happened. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘My Lord and my God!’
While Thomas refuses to believe without seeing, he should also be remembered as the one who gives the fullest declaration of faith in Christ found anywhere in the gospels. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘He saw and he believed’
Without the resurrection, the real rising of Jesus to new life in a transformed and glorified body, there would be no good news to proclaim. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’
In Mark’s story of the Passion, Jesus’ final words are words of abandonment. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified’
The arrival of some Greeks shows how the ministry of Jesus breaks the bounds of Judaism – and allows Jesus to speak of his willingness to give his life for all. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘No one who believes in him will be condemned’
The coming of the Son and his self-giving in death and resurrection are the clearest proof of the love of God for the world. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Stop turning my father’s house into a market’
When Jesus causes disruption in the temple, the conversation shifts to the significance of the temple and to the significance of his coming. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him’
The transfiguration of Jesus gives the disciples a glimpse of the future which lies beyond suffering and death – and has a profound effect on them. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Jesus was tempted by Satan’
The description of Jesus’ time in the desert has a particular resonance as we begin the season of Lent, a time of self-examination and self-denial. His temptation shows his humanity but, ‘like us in all but sin’, he did not succumb. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him’
In his reaction to the leper Jesus mirrors the compassion of God – he is not afraid to challenge the rules about what is ‘clean’, and what is ‘unclean’. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.