2nd Week of Easter

April 11, 2010

Acts 5, 12-16
Rev 1, 9-13.17
Jn 20, 19-31

The term “paradigm shift” has been bandied about so often and used so loosely one wonders whether it still means anything. A paradigm is more than a simple belief about reality, or a certain position about some disputed subject, or a specific preference for doing things. Paradigm is about beliefs, convictions and habits, indeed, not on the retail but on the wholesale level. In other words, paradigm is about worldviews as such rather than about detailed views of the world; it is about faiths in the all-inclusive sense rather than about specific  items of doctrine or morality; it is about fundamental senses of self rather than about incremental insights into one’s identity. Paradigm shift, in the strict sense, is what happens when your global horizon changes, or when you have a critical conversion experience, or when you redefine yourself so radically you break with your past.
The apostles were in crisis; their world had been turned upside-down. They had locked themselves indoors for fear of the Jews; it would take more than mere reassurances of peace for them to venture out again. Their sorrow was real and deep; glimpses of joy would not suffice to change that mood. The Master was dead; the Jews had taken him from them; what was life to be without Him at its center?
It was to take much time for the disciples to digest the paschal mystery as their new way of seeing their existence and relationship with Jesus. It was not an easy struggle to understand that the Lord was no longer around and yet was truly in their midst. “He is risen,” said the women and Peter; but all the others could remember was his crucifixion, the pierced hands and feet so vivid in their memories. Like Thomas most of them would not believe their very own eyes and ears but would need the support of touch as well.
Exegetes and theologians continue to debate what the Easter experience actually consisted of. What is not in dispute is how the apostles emerged from it: persons changed in their minds, and hearts and will; persons no longer afraid, persons at peace, persons of joy – tangible and palpable witness of a transforming experience. From one experience of reality to another and still a third in the short span of three days – that is the mystery of the Easter paradigm.

Fr. Diony Miranda, SVD
USC, Cebu City
The Word in Other Words