New Sunday is the eighth day of the Church's celebration of the resurrection. The first week of the Season of Resurrection, the Week of Hawareyeen, has come to a conclusion. During this week we have seen the various appearances of the Lord: to Mary Magdalene, the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, to Peter, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the disciples gathered in the upper room. Now the appearances of the Lord are over. In overcoming the hesitation of Thomas, the Lord revealed to the apostles the truth of the resurrection. Christ has risen, truly risen!
New Sunday, once and for all, puts an end to the old way of looking at the Lord. He is no longer revealed in the flesh (as the disciples experienced Him during His life with them); nor in glory (as Thomas did). From now on, He is revealed in Spirit, through the experience of faith and in the Mysteries (sacraments). Only in the Spirit is there a sharing in His mystery of redemption. His word is crystal clear and resounds for all ages and generations:
“You have become a believer,
Because you saw me.
Blessed are they who have not
Seen and have believed.”
(From Prayer of the Faithful According to the Maronite Liturgical Year).
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| On Easter Sunday at John Paul II Mission parish in White Plains, with the Hayek Family from San Diego. |