[Sundaycommunity] Reflection for People Progress, Sunday April 27, 2025

[Dean Riley]

Greetings to all. 

There was a bit of a miscommunication on my part regarding the reflection I submitted for the People Progress for Sunday April 27th. There should have been a quote included beneath the photograph. Without the quote, the  photograph does not seem connected to the reflection. Below is the reflection as I had prepared it. 

Much thanks and many blessings…

Dean. 

-::-::-::-

Wounds of Love: A Reflection for the Second Sunday of Easter 
by Fr. Jim Caime, S.J. ~ Creighton University’s Director of Mission Engagement

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)

I’m not surprised that Thomas doubted.

The other disciples had seen Jesus, touched his wounds, received the Holy Spirit. And yet—a week later—they’re still behind locked doors. If Easter had truly taken root, wouldn’t something have changed?

Thomas wasn’t being unreasonable. He just wanted what they had: a real encounter, something to hold onto. And really, who can blame him? Especially when the world still feels so heavy. When grief clings close and cruelty seems louder than compassion. Where’s the proof that Christ is risen?

Maybe that’s the deeper invitation of this Gospel. Resurrection isn’t proven by an empty tomb or a scarred body. It shows itself in transformed lives—disciples moving from fear to courage, from silence to witness. It's seen in people who forgive when it’s hard, who serve without being thanked, who love when it costs them something.

Belief isn’t just accepting a story. It’s about living it. And that kind of life leaves marks.

We bear the wounds of love: the ache of grief, the fatigue of caring, the heartbreak of watching others suffer. The daily effort to stay tender in a world that rewards hardness. The vulnerability of forgiving, of staying, of showing up again and again. These are not signs of failure. They’re signs that love has taken root in us.

And yet…some days, I am weary. I could just weep. The struggle isn’t over—it may just be beginning. But even then, Jesus comes. Not after we’ve figured it all out, but right in the middle of the mess. He comes through locked doors. He breathes peace. He shows his wounds. And he invites us to believe—not because it all makes sense, but because love still lives.

And if you find yourself doubting, grieving, barely holding on—you are not alone. The Risen Christ is near. In the tiredness. In the tears. In the quiet, stubborn hope that maybe—just maybe—love will rise again.

———



“Resurrection isn’t proven by an empty tomb or a scarred body. It shows itself in transformed lives—disciples moving from fear to courage, from silence to witness.”
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