2nd Sunday in Easter, Year B
In our reading we hear how the followers of Jesus lived after he died on the cross. They lived together in a community, preached about the Resurrection of Jesus, shared everything they had, and the apostles gave them everything they needed so that no one would be poor or in need.
In our gospel, the disciples were locked in a room together because they were afraid of the people who crucified Jesus. Jesus came and stood in the same room. He said “Peace be with you. As God has sent me to you, now I am sending you to others.” He gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit so they can forgive sins. Thomas wasn’t there the week before so he didn’t believe that Jesus was alive until he saw Jesus’ hands and side.
Special Saint: St. Joseph Moscati – April 12th
Joseph Moscati was born on July 25, 1880 in Italy. He was the 7th of 9 children. His family moved to Naples when his father became a judge there.
After seeing all the sick and suffering patients at the hospital, Joseph decided to become a doctor and attended the Naples University.
He looked after many patients. He would often pay for the medicine for his poor patients.
Dr. Joseph risked his life by entering a hospital near an active volcano to evacuate the patients. He removed all the patients just before the roof of the hospital collapsed.
Every morning Dr. Joseph went to mass and spent time in prayer. He would visit the sick in the poor areas of Napels. Then he would go to the hospital and see his patients there.
He worked and prayed for his patients for 25 years. He knew that the well-being of the soul would affect the health of the body. Dr. Joseph would often prescribe prayer and a return to the sacraments for his patients.
Dr. Joseph died on April 12, 1927 at 47 years old.
We can ask St. Joseph to help us be as honest, kind and sympathetic as he was. We can also ask him to teach us how to appreciate the Mass and to love Mary as he did.