“Lions, and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” This is one of the most quoted phrases from the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Before cable TV, streaming services and DVD’s, watching the Wizard of Oz on network TV was a tradition on Easter Sunday evenings of my childhood.  My siblings and I would gather around the TV (a much better experience once we got a color TV) with candy from our Easter baskets and be prepared to marvel at the range of adventures and emotions in the movie.  It was a great comfort to be together during the scary parts and the parts of wonder. Although not a traditional Easter story, the memories of watching the Wizard of Oz came flooding back as I read todays readings from this Second Sunday of Easter, the Sunday of Divine Mercy.

Today’s gospel from John begins with the disciples having locked themselves in the Upper Room as they were afraid of being harmed by the angry mob who had recently crucified Jesus.  They were bounded together by their fear of the unknown.  Perhaps they would have been attacked for the allegiance to Jesus, perhaps there was nothing to fear.  Fear is not a rational reaction, yet fear can feel so overwhelming.  Fear leaves us unable to move forward in a productive way.

Jesus comes into the locked room and tells the fearful disciples, “Peace be with you!” as he shows them his hands and sides for reassurance that he really is Jesus.  The sight of Jesus brings joy and relief to the disciples. Being together in a group most certainly helped the disciples understand what they were seeing and hearing. Thomas was not with the disciples during the first appearance of Jesus and expressed a healthy skepticism. Jesus knew that Thomas was not doubting his faith, but was rather protecting the integrity of the disciples by wanting to confirm this amazing story. When Jesus appears again, rather than shaming or scolding Thomas, he simply gives Thomas what he needs to believe… the opportunity to examine Jesus’s wounds. How can we hear this story and not be assured the Jesus always gives us what we need when we are open to believing, especially when we have a healthy skepticism?

The first two readings today build on this “leap of faith.” The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that a community of believers can be of one heart and minds.  Certainly witnessing the physical resurrection of Jesus bonded the disciples in an extraordinary manner.  They were a true community by ensuring everyone had what they needed. Yet as Jesus taught the disciples in the Upper Room, faith is available to all, not just those few who had the opportunity to touch the wounds of the resurrected Jesus. As a community of believers we have the responsibility to care for each and every member of our community.

The second reading from John centers us on the major tenants of our Christian faith: Jesus is the son of God, following God’s commandments is not burdensome, we love God and all God’s children, our faith conquers the world.  It all seems so simple in this powerful reading.  But how quickly the burdens and distractions and fears of our daily life get in the way of living these simple and profound truths.

As I pray for the grace to embrace the life of faith Jesus has given me, I pray with these questions:
When does my fear lead me to sin? How can I hear Jesus telling me “peace, be with you” in my darkest moments? In what ways can I reimagine living the commandments in small, daily acts of commitment to community? Where can I find the wisdom to support someone who is retreating or attacking out of fear?

I am grateful knowing Jesus is with me in the moments I find myself in the dark, Wizard of Oz-like-forest fearing the Lions and Tigers and Bears of modern life.