Most Rev. Raul Martirez revealed to Serviam last Tuesday as he talked about the characteristics of Jesus’ doubtful disciple, Thomas, who was said to have a twin. When the Serviam members’ laughter subsided, the Bishop added, “It is also, Raul… in other words, the twin brother of Thomas is you and I.”
The talk of Bishop-Emeritus Raul Jose Quimpo Martirez last April 29 at the Santuario de San Antonio was about that Sunday’s Gospel – the appearance of Jesus to his ten disciples, and later to his eleven disciples, that included Thomas.
Didymus in reference to Thomas meant “twin” in Hebrew. Even when the identity of Thomas’ twin was unknown, it was implied that his twin must have had the same characteristics as he had. Thomas’ twin must have also doubted and acted like a wise guy. He or she might have preferred to be alone, moped and hid when in pain or troubled, which is the same reason why Thomas was not present on Christ’ first appearance. Lastly, his twin must also have been honest enough to speak about his disbelief about Jesus’ resurrection. But when he finally saw Jesus, he must have also recognized Him as his Lord and God, the way Thomas did. Bishop Martinez concluded, “We are all like Thomas. I am proud to be the twin brother of Thomas!”
The second part of the Bishop’s talk was about Jesus’ appearance to the ten disciples and His greeting of “Shalom!” Traditionally, Shalom meant not only peace be with you but also “may the Lord give you everything that you need for your welfare”. In the upper room, the apostles might have reacted with shame when Jesus had suddenly appeared to them. They might have remembered their shortcomings when Jesus was in trial and expected Jesus to ask for an explanation about their cowardice. The merciful Jesus instead, extended his greetings of “Shalom” to appease His disciples from their anxieties.
Bishop Martirez then expanded on the meaning of peace that is according to St. Augustine. Peace meant serenity of mind, that is freedom from unnecessary anxieties and worries. It is the simplicity of heart, which is keeping ones’ needs modest and simple. Lastly, the most important of all, peace is the tranquillity of soul, which is living according to ones’ conscience and away from sin. Bishop Martirez then injected the miracles of the appearances of Christ during the times when the world needed his mercy and peace – the 1675 phenomenon when the Lord appeared to St. Margaret to reveal His Sacred Heart and when Jesus appeared in the upper room to comfort his frightened disciples, He also came to us to show his tenderness and love, His Divine Mercy.
The Serviam community was then invited to welcome the peace that is the gift from God and asked the Blessed Mother’s intercession to accompany them in receiving the infinite mercy and love of Christ. The greater challenge for everyone is to follow Christ in sharing God’s peace.
by: Shell Vibal
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