“Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” -- Kleinguetl

Edward Kleinguetl

Easter-02 (B)

April 15, 2012 

Gospel:  John 20:19-31

“Do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

“Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (see foot note 1)  For me, this is a passage of Scripture I seem to need to hear more frequently than I care to admit, because the reality is this:  it is human nature to have doubts and to experience fear.  When I was younger and heard this Scripture passage, I always believed that if it was me, I would be like the disciples who rejoiced when they saw the risen Lord.  I certainly would not be like Thomas, would I?  How foolish Thomas seemed to have been – he was the only one in the group that did not share the same enthusiasm.  He did seem to understand and appeared to have been left behind in his faith – and that would never happen to me, would it?  Today, I think:  “Thank goodness for Thomas!”  It means there is hope for me.  While I intellectually believe that Jesus rose from the dead, sometimes I am afraid to live that belief when I am called “to walk by faith and not be sight.”(see fn 2)  This means that somehow, the faith in my heart must be lukewarm (see fn 3) and I need to be reinvigorated by Jesus’ words from our Gospel today:  “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

Many times in our lives, we are very much like the disciples in the upper room.  The doors to our hearts are locked, seized up with fear, doubt, and despair.  The realities of daily life often override the reminders of Jesus to not let our hearts be troubled,(see fn 4) to trust in him, (see fn 5) that trials will not overwhelm us,(see fn 6) and that he is with us always until the end. (see fn 7)

Today, as we reflect on the meaning of the Resurrection in our own lives, let us remember that the Risen Jesus greatly desires to enter into our hearts, wholly and substantially.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.”(see fn 8)  Will we open the door of our hearts and allow Our Risen Lord to enter?  Will we be believing or unbelieving?

The Resurrection is the central mystery of our faith.  Jesus being raised from the dead is our proof that God will never abandon us and the Easter triumph fills us with great joy.  It is the ultimate triumph of good over adversity and evil. So, why do we hesitate?  Because to let Jesus enter our hearts wholly and substantially means to allow him to lead our lives; it means that we must make ourselves vulnerable and to trust in him and not ourselves; and because of our human nature, it’s that vulnerability that creates fear and uncertainty, the shackles that often lock the doors to our heart.  We like the vision of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor; it is the other mountain, Golgotha, which gives us pause to think.  

However, we cannot take the joy of the Resurrection out of context.  We need to remember that the path to victory leads through Golgotha and the crucifixion.  We did not just celebrate Easter last week; we went through the entire journey of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter; from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to the Last Supper, to Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross, to the empty tomb.  And so it is with the journey of our own lives today; we must believe, not be unbelieving.

Jesus does not deceive us; his way is one of sacrifice and humility.  His is the way of the cross.  So, what prevents us from opening the doors of our heart to welcome our Risen Lord? Why do we persist in our unbelief?  We already know from the Scriptures what an illumined heart must be like; we hear in the Resurrection account of the disciples who, after they had encountered Jesus on the way to Emmaus, said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us?”  (see fn 9)Do we think that a heart so enflamed by an encounter with Our Risen Lord can ever be overcome by any of the difficulties or challenges we experience in our lives?  The Resurrection in the context of the entire Paschal Mystery is proof that no matter where life leads us, we have a future filled with hope – we have the ability to become children of God. (see fn 10)

As we consider the meaning of the Resurrection in our lives, are we willing, like Thomas, to declare, “My Lord and my God,”(see fn 11)  even in the darkest challenges we face?

• Are we willing to surrender to the Will of God and patiently endure the afflictions and trials that come our way? (see fn 12)
• Do we truly believe that everything that happens to us is through the providence of God, and is ordered for our benefit?  (see fn 13)
• Do we really believe that God has a plan for us; (see fn 14) that sometimes we simply need to walk by faith and not by sight? 
• Are we willing to let Jesus enter our hearts and lead us without hesitation?
• Are we willing to believe, truly believe, instead of succumbing to doubts and uncertainty?

The beauty of Thomas’ profession of faith is that while he seemed to be the most stubborn of the disciples, his profession of faith was also the strongest.  Not only did he acknowledge Jesus as “Lord,” but he also acknowledged Jesus as “God.”  “My Lord and my God.”  He acknowledged what he saw – the risen Lord – as well as what he did not see, the divinity of Jesus.   Thomas was not half-hearted in his profession; he plunged in whole: “My Lord and my God!”   Thomas is much like so many of us.  He is a reminder that we need to shatter the shackles of unbelief surrounding our hearts and to allow the Risen Lord to enter in, wholly and substantially.

As we approach the Eucharistic banquet today to receive the precious Body and Life-giving Blood of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, Christ truly present in our midst, let us pray for the gift of faith, to with great joy acknowledge the Risen Lord, to surrender our lives to His Will, to walk by faith and not by sight, and allow Him to lead us to the sure victory of Easter joy.  “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

¹Jn. 20:27(b). 

²2 Corinthians 5:7. 

³See Rev. 3:15-16:  “I know your works; I know you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either cold or hot.  So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” 

⁴John 14:1:  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  

⁵John 14:1:  “You have faith in God, have faith also in me.” 

⁶See. Matt. 6:25-34 and Luke 21:12-18.  “Not a hair on your head will be destroyed” (Lk. 21:18). 

⁷Cf. Matt. 28:20. 

⁸Rev. 3:20. 

⁹Luke 24:32. 

¹⁰See John 1:12 and 1 John 3:1.  

¹¹Jn. 20:28. 

¹²Cf. Wisdom 3:5-6.  “Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings, He took them to Himself.”

¹³“Above all let us be convinced that nothing can happen to us apart from the providence of God.” Dorotheos of Gaza, Discourses and Sayings. Transl. Eric P. Wheeler. Taken from Cistercian Studies Series, No. 33, (Cistercian Publications, Kalamazoo, Michigan): 1977. 143.  (Discourse VII, “On Self-accusation.”) 

¹⁴Cf. Jeremiah 29:11-14. 

Click here for more Homilies from Fr. Deacon Ed Kleinguetl

My friend sent this to me. I hope it touches your heart and assists you on your journey. 

Daily Inspiration

Today, Lord, help me to recognize and accept the love that comes to me, even if it isn't coming to me in the way I had expected it.

Be comforted, children of God, for there is eternal life for all souls that love God.  Apply this love to all of your human troubles and they will be resolved.

Random Daily Inspiration

Today ask God for anything that is in line with His will for you.  Plead with Him and tell Him your needs and keep praying.

Do not give in to the material difficulties and troubles of this world. Turn to God with your heart and your soul and your mind because with Christ in you, these problems will not control you, but can be dealt with in a masterful way.

The Great Exchange

One dark night,

fired with love's urgent longings

- ah, the sheer grace! - 

I went out unseen,

my house being now all stilled.

 In darkness, and secure,

by the secret ladder, disguised,

- ah, the sheer grace! - 

in darkness and concealment,

my house being now all stilled.

On that glad night,

in secret, for no one saw me,

nor did I look at anything,

with no other light or guide

than the one that burned in my heart.

This guided me

more surely than the light of noon

to where he was awaiting me

- him I knew so well - 

there in a place where no one appeared.

O guiding night!

O night more lovely than the dawn!

O night that has united

the Lover with his beloved,

transforming the beloved in her Lover.

Upon my flowering breast

which I kept wholly for him alone,

there he lay sleeping,

and I caressing him

there in a breeze from the fanning cedars.

When the breeze blew from the turret,

as I parted his hair,

it wounded my neck

with its gentle hand,

suspending all my senses.

I abandoned and forgot myself,

laying my face on my Beloved;

all things ceased; I went out from myself,

leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies.

Right now,  I am reading the "Dark Night of the Soul" by St. John of the Cross and discussing it with a friend.  Not knowing much about St. John, I did some research on EWTN's website and found a beautiful series on him by Fr. Thomas Dubay called "The Great Exchange".  I highly recommend his section on disordered attachment.

Also, Leonardo Defillips provides on EWTN a one man musical dramatization of The Life of St. John of the Cross that is worth listening to if you are interested in a more vivid account.

For a written biography on St. John, Ethereal Classics provides a clear account of his life.

Series: The Great Exchange

1. Introduction
2. The Personality of St. John
3. The Experience of God
4. Experiences of God
5. The Great Exchange
6. Disordered Attachments
7. Effects of Disordered Attachments
8. Creation and Christian Contemplation
9. Infused Contemplation
10. The Two Nights
11.The Transforming Union
12.The Transforming Union Continued
13. San Juanist Gems

Dear Baby Jesus, 


I knew You were coming and so even before Thanksgiving I tried to think of some gift for You.
 
To begin with I know I will love You forever; so I’ll bring You my heart.
 
With my heart’s love my soul will carry this love for You into eternity.
 
I give You my prayers – for mercy and forgiveness for all peoples of the earth for all times – past, present & always.
 
I give You my body – my hopes & dreams – all desires.
 
I will be potters clay & You the Potter. Do with me as You will.
 
I give You my gratitude for health and a good life.
 
Let me be one with You. You in me and I in You.


 - Jim Frassrand (8-9-23 - 2-7-12)

The Message of Divine Mercy

If I was forced to chose only one favorite book of all time, I would have to chose "Divine Mercy in My Soul" by St. Maria Faustina Kowalska. Why? Simply because it is a powerful witness to what to do with suffering. Nobody wants it, but everybody encounters it. And for those who are hit hard with suffering, this book lays out a clear message of comfort -- that these heavy burdens are not in vain. Jesus says to St. Faustina: "You are not living for yourself but for souls, and other souls profit from your sufferings. Your prolonged suffering will give them the light and strength to accept my will." (#67)

One argument against God is that if He is so Good and so Powerful why does He allow bad things to happen? In particular, why does He allow His own children/followers to be in such agony?

We must remember that Jesus warned His disciples, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you," and "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Jn 15:18;  Mt 16:24)

Now God doesn't delight in our sufferings; rather, He permits them because it is the only way for us to deny ourselves. Suffering is purging. He can't live in us when we are filled with junk, disorders and attachments. "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mt 5:48)

While this book is the diary of this beautiful saint and a record of the many times that Jesus appears and speaks personally to her, Jesus does speak to us also. His messages to all souls are included below:


#20 "My mercy doesn't want this, but justice demands it." (Speaking of Purgatory)

#30 "Who God is in His Essence, no one will fathom, neither the mind of Angels nor of man. Get to know God by contemplating His attributes."

#48 "I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory."

#50 "I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards the souls of sinners. Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me. The flames of mercy are burning Me -- clamoring to be spent; I want to pour them out upon these souls. Distrust on the part of souls is tearing at My insides. The distrust of a chosen soul causes Me even greater pain; despite my inexhaustible love for them they do not trust Me. Even my death is not enough for them.  Woe to the soul that abuses these."

#83 "Write this: before I come as the Just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to the people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the opening where the hands and feet were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day."

# 85 "Write this down at once what you hear: I am the Lord in My Essence and immune to orders and needs. If I call creatures into being -- that is the abyss of My mercy."  

# 86 "I do not reward for good results but for the patience and hardship undergone for my sake."

# 88 "I am the King of Mercy. I desire that this image be displayed in public on the First Sunday after Easter. That Sunday is the Feast of Mercy. Through the Word Incarnate, I made known the bottomless depth of My mercy."

# 129 "Do not fear, I am with you."

# 145 "...any transgressions against the confessor touch Me Myself..."

# 149 "Consider My sufferings before Pilate." 

#165 "He who does not take advantage of small graces will not receive great ones." 

#177 "The flames of mercy are burning Me -- clamoring to be spent; I want to keep pouring them out upon souls; souls just don't want to believe in my goodness."

#206 "I want to give Myself to souls; I yearn for souls." 

#268 "The bride must resemble her Betrothed. ...See what love of human souls has done to Me? ... I often wait with great graces at the end of prayer."

#269 "Oh how I love those souls who have complete confidence in Me -- I will do everything for them."

#299 "The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls... The two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when my agonized Heart was opened by the lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. I desire that the first Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy. Ask of my faithful servant [Father Sopocko] that, on this day, he tell the whole world of my great mercy; that whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment. Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my mercy. Oh how much I am hurt by a soul's distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness. Even the devils glorify My Justice but do not believe in My Goodness. My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy. Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of my hand are crowned with mercy."  

# 313 "Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace."

# 320  "The prayer of the humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws down an ocean of blessings."

# 324 "Pure love gives the soul strength at the very moment of dying. When I was dying on the cross, I was not thinking about Myself, but about poor sinners, and I prayed for them to my Father... There is but one price which souls are bought. "