The first Sunday after Easter is called Low Sunday. Although it is the Octave Day of the Feast of the Resurrection, it is called Low Sunday because of the contrast between this Sunday and the greatness of the Easter Sunday.

In the ancient Church this Sunday was known as "White Sunday", and is still so-called in the Liturgy. More than likely you have often heard the reason for this Sunday; namely, that the catechumens who were baptized on Holy Saturday wore a white robe till this Sunday, ending the octave of Easter.

As the new converts put away their white robes, so we may be inclined to put away the spiritual joy that entered into our hearts on Easter Sunday. And with this joy may go many of the fine resolutions we made in our hearts to live better Catholic lives. It is opportune then, I believe, to mention that the Gospel narrative of today’s Mass gives points on which we may very profitable meditate. The external pomp of Easter helped all of us to the realization of our eternal destiny, but now that the external help to devotion is over it is well to have one rule to keep our former devotion in mind—that we receive the sacrament of Penance regularly. The sacrament of the forgiveness of sins was the first gift of the risen Saviour to His Apostles, and we should cherish it as our hope of eternal salvation, for Christ was infinitely wise and His first gift must have been what He considered the most important.

If there was ever a time when the sacrament of Penance should be of the first importance, is it not now? When we live in an everyday environment of loose manners, when we see on all sides of us vulgarity, drunkenness, dishonesty, and selfishness, is there any one of us who can afford to take chances and say within ourselves, "I won’t be contaminated." The Scriptures tell us differently: "Who can put a live coal in his bosom and not be burnt?" Indeed, does not everyday experience teach us that the flesh is weak and needs help from the sacraments?

Other than Mass and devotions in the evening, most people act without any religious motivation. We are all likely to become careless, to start making excuses and building up a case for our conduct, until what once appeared serious sin will become only a human fault that anyone is likely to fall into. We should all remember that vicious types of sin are rarely committed by decently raised and cultured people. There is a certain beastliness about letting our emotions get the better of our higher faculties and most people shrink from the more obvious sins. One can’t expect to get to heaven by the avoidance of acts that even most pagans avoid. We ought to remember, also, that neglect of God, if extended over a length of time, can easily harden the soul and may be mortal sin. Only the regular reception of the sacrament of Penance can check us up on the many ways in which we neglect inspirations, the many ways in which we live selfishly without a thought to God.

Another point deserving our attention is that this morning’s Gospel story shows we are to live by faith. Thomas wanted to see with his own eyes. How many of us who profess to believe in the divine goodness of God want to see that goodness right before our very eyes. We say, "Why does this have to happen to me? Why are others preferred before me? Why can others attain social position who are inferior to me? Why must I be lonely while others not as good are continually gleeful and carefree? Why does this sick spell have to happen now?" If we analyze all of these thoughts which are sticking in the backs of our minds, I fear we will find very little of that great faith which we thought we possessed.

I know that it is easy for me to say, "Have a lively faith." It is not so easy to practice. However, if we can but say to ourselves, with a lively faith, that this trial will be soon over and then when the next one comes that this surely will be the last, it will bring a measure of contentment. It may not bring joy, but at least it will make the trials easier to bear.