Go beyond, to the Risen Christ

May 16, 2014

By Elizabeth Simon
“Don’t remain at the foot of Calvary. Go beyond to the Risen Christ, not the crucified,” declared Bishop Sebastian Francis during his homily on the Feast of the Divine Mercy.

“I invite you to focus on just one part of Christ’s body — the fifth wound inflicted on His left side close to His heart.”

The feastday Mass commenced at 3.00 pm with the theme, Captured, Convinced, Called-up as Christ-Centred Disciples. It was concelebrated by Bishop Sebastian Francis, Frs Bernard Paul, Julian Leow and Martin Arlando (Parish Priest) and assisted by Deacon Anthony Liew.

The Bishop related the story of the fifth wound, the wound which began in Calvary AFTER the death of Jesus when He had given up His spirit and said, ‘It is accomplished.’ They did not break His bones but instead pierced His side as blood and water gushed out. John could not wait for Pentecost — he had already witnessed the blood and water and recorded it so that others will come to believe.

“Use all aspects of your faculty to understand that the water represents Baptism and the blood, the Eucharist,” said the Bishop. “The Church was born from the wounded side of Christ!”

In the upper room, the Risen Christ showed His disciples His hands and side. Later, He appeared to Thomas who had declared that he would not believe unless he had touched the fifth wound. When Jesus took Thomas hand and placed it on His side, he responded, ‘My Lord and my God!’ “

This is an open invitation to be His companion and to be intoxicated with the love of Jesus,” said the Bishop.