Divine Mercy Sunday
“Blessed are those who have not Seen.”
Readings for: Divine Mercy Sunday
Reading 1 Acts 2:42-47
Psalm Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Reading 2 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel John 20:19-31
REFLECTIONS:… from Father Daniel
“Blessed are those who have not Seen.” These words of the Risen Lord are addressed to all disciples. We meet the Risen Lord in the Sunday gathering of the community. This is the theme of the Gospel which links up with the second reading, particularly the last phrase. IF we cannot see the Risen Lord, there is however something else we can see: the community which, through its life, is evidence that Christ is alive and with us (first reading).
Our Gospel today begins with the account of the locked doors, and a story about doubting Thomas and how he came to faith. Yet, despite locked doors, God is present. When Jesus appeared to the Apostles he came not just to show he had risen and was alive. He came to them with the gifts of healing, peace, reconciliation and new life. The Apostles are reconciled with the One they deserted out of fear for their own lives. Even Thomas is reconciled with the One he refused to believe had risen from the dead. Jesus welcomes all and commissions them to be agents of the reconciliation of others with God and with one another. In a world torn apart by hatred and violence, all in the name of the so-called religious reconciliation may well be our most prized Easter blessing.
Sharing her Journey from an abusive life to a loving home, a twelfth grade student writes, “Because of my past and the grace and mercy my adoptive parents have shown me, I know how much one gentle merciful action can affect a multitude of lives for the better.” When we love and care for others, we become Godlike. St. Pope John Paul II said, “A Word Mercy is Love’s second name.” Take steps to be reconciled with one person in your life. Ask God, how you can help be an instrument of healing.
