2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER PRESENTS GOD'S MERCY.....AND A MONTH'S MIND MEMORIAL AT SACRAMENTO STATE FOR COACH BOB MATTOS..........

On this Second Sunday of Easter, Catholic-Christians focus on the benevolence of God's Mercy for humankind, not only in the Divine Mercy devotion, but in the Gospel Proclamation from John 20:19-31; as the Risen Christ shows mercy for His Apostles. Jesus greets his assembled disciples in the locked room by bestowing Peace upon them, despite their falterings and fear. On the second occasion when Thomas the Apostle who was missing fro Jesus' first appearance after the Resurrection, is present the second time and is continuing to question the appearance of the Risen Christ, he is not condemned, but invited to see for himself that the resurrected Jesus is truly present. In turn Thomas proclaims one of the greatest personal professions of faith in the history of Christianity, "My Lord and My God". During Easter Week Sacred Heart's RCIA Director Rita Spillane has been discussing with several of us, a scriptural insight into the, "Doubting Thomas" designation of the missing Apostle, at the first post Resurrection appearance to the Apostles. Where was Thomas, if not locked away with the others ? Was Thomas out witnessing to Jesus, unafraid of the consequences ? If not, where was he, and why was he separated from the others ?.....Today April 11, Sacramento State University celebrates the life and legacy of Robert J. "Coach" Bob Mattos, at a Memorial Service in the Alumni Center on campus. Yours truly will lead the Opening and Closing Prayers, and deliver the last reflection about Coach Mattos.....Having presided at te 5:30 pm Mass last night, I celebrate the 9:30 am Mass this morning and then the 7:30 pm at St. Rose's in South Sacramento..........In The Easter Peace Of God's Mercy, Fr. Troy