Divine Mercy Sunday

Theme: “Eight days later Jesus came and stood in their midst” (John 20:19-31).

• Reading I: Acts 5:12-16
• Responsorial Psalm: 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
• Reading II: Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
• Gospel: John 20:19-31

Reflection

Even though the doors were locked (for fear of the Jews), Jesus appeared to his disciples. The disciples already afraid, and some distraught, Jesus stood in their midst and assured of peace when he said, “Peace be with you.” The disciples’ fear turned into joy. Jesus commissioned them as He breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit. Their mission is to forgive sins.

The outpouring of God’s mercy happened when their fear turned into joy, when they recognized the risen Lord, and when they received the Holy Spirit. Thomas missed this incredible appearance of the Lord and so he doubted until he himself experienced by touching the hands and side of Jesus, he believed. “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed,” says Jesus.

Doubting Thomas represents all those who continue to doubt the risen Lord. Their senses limit them to understand the power of God to conquer darkness and overcome evil. It is not because they cannot believe; it is because they rely too much on their own strength and power. Their trust and belief remains human and it is not in the state of being blessed. Faith is necessary and Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

So when is faith blessed? When can we say that we do not need to touch the wounds of Jesus in order to be convinced of his love and mercy? The faith that is mature is when we live it out in the mission we are asked to do; the mission is to proclaim his great mercy and forgiveness. Like the first disciples, like Thomas, we are all unworthy; but the Holy Spirit emboldens us to carry out God’s work. And like Sr. Faustina, we pray, “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have Mercy on us and on the whole world. Jesus I trust in You.