Third Sunday of Easter: Touch and See

Last week the Gospel lesson emphasized seeing; today the focus is on touching. Jesus is trying to ground the disciples’ faith in the reality of his presence, in the concreteness of his being. He told them to touch him; he ate in front of them. He was announcing that he was real. Our lives are still being touched; our hearts are still being touched by Jesus. It is also Native American Ministries Sunday. Through prayers and litanies, we will hope to bridge the gap between our Native American brothers and sisters. This is part of what it means to touch and see. Touch another tradition; touch another perspective; take hold of something that takes you out of yourself long enough to embrace the realities of another’s existence. Overcoming racism is an ongoing process of education and a constant reminder that embracing those of a difference race or ethnicity involves stretching ourselves and our practices to include and embrace diversity. We are challenged by our bishops to continue the task of ending racism in us and in our society. Let us worship with open hearts and open minds.