The beginning of April is always a busy time as we prepare for Holy Week. It’s also a season when many families gather, taking a break from their usual routines to spend more time together. As we reflect on what Jesus went through during this period, we should also consider the lessons we’ve received over the past few weeks and how our lives have been renewed — how parts of us that once seemed unchangeable have been “resurrected.”

After Jesus rose from the dead, Mary was deeply troubled when she found the tomb empty. In her distress, she did not recognize the man standing near her and thought he was the gardener. It wasn’t until Jesus called her by name that she finally realized who he was. This moment reminds us that sometimes, even after praying and believing, we fail to recognize Jesus working in our lives. We may overlook his presence because we expect him to appear in a certain way.

Another powerful story is that of Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” When Jesus appeared to his disciples, Thomas struggled with belief until he could see and touch Jesus himself.

In John 20:29, Jesus tells him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

This passage encourages us to trust even when we haven’t seen proof with our own eyes.

As we read on to verses 30-31, John explains that Jesus performed many other signs not recorded in the Gospel, but the ones included were written so that we might believe. His words remind us that faith is not blind but it comes from personal experiences and from seeing Jesus work in our hearts and lives in ways that cannot always be explained.

Faith isn’t easy, especially when we long for tangible evidence. But Jesus did all of this so that we could believe. Having faith means choosing to trust even when the path ahead isn’t clear, knowing that he is with us and continues to call us just as he called Mary by name.