Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

In Sunday’s gospel, we heard all about Doubting Thomas, and today we hear of Nicodemus, who is also struggling with what he cannot see. I find both of these accounts sad. Here these men, with Jesus among them, still have problems believing. This disbelief makes one want to give up hope; but then, thankfully, in today’s first reading we find that hope.
     We read how the disciples are of one heart and mind caring for all. I was also taken back to the Sunday gospel when Jesus said “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”  Many of the early believers only heard of Jesus and his teachings. They learned about his care for the poor, the sick, the widows and children. They never met Jesus, but they believed and cared for each other. With Jesus gone they were now his hands and feet. They carried him in their hearts and cared for all. They loved and shared everything. “There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.”
    Imagine if we lived with that sense of community today. Imagine if we just helped each other so unconditionally.  I think then we would experience Louie Armstrong’s “bright blessed day” and “dark sacred night.” And we would think to ourselves “what a wonderful world.”