Second Sunday of Easter
(Divine Mercy Sunday) April 27, 2025
Acts 5:12-16; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31
A TIME magazine issue in 1984 presented a startling cover. It pictured a prison cell where two men sat on metal folding chairs. They sat facing one another, up-close and personal. They spoke quietly so as to keep others from hearing the conversation. The young man was Mehmet Ali Agca, the one who one who shot and wounded the Pope on May 13, 1981; the other man was Pope John Paul II, the intended victim. The Pope held the hand that had held the gun whose bullet tore into the Pope’s body.
This was a living icon of mercy. John Paul’s forgiveness was deeply Christian. His deed with Ali Agca spoke a thousand words. He embraced his enemy and pardoned him. At the end of their 20-minute meeting, Ali Agca raised the Pope’s hand to his forehead as a sign of respect. John Paul shook Ali Agca’s hand tenderly. When the Pope left the cell he said, “What we talked about must remain a secret between us. I spoke to him as a brother whom I have pardoned and who has my complete trust.” This is an example of God’s Divine Mercy, the same Divine Mercy whose message St. Faustina witnessed.
As we gather on this Second Sunday of Easter, often recognized as Divine Mercy Sunday, we find ourselves in the presence of profound themes of mercy, forgiveness, and renewal. The readings today invite us to reflect on the depth of God's mercy as displayed in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformative power it holds in our lives.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter the risen Christ appearing to His disciples. They were gathered in fear, hiding behind locked doors. Yet, the first words of Jesus are not words of judgment or condemnation; rather, He offers them peace: “Peace be with you.” This greeting is a profound expression of God’s mercy.
In a world that often feels chaotic and filled with anxiety, Jesus’ greeting echoes through the centuries, reminding us of the peace that is available to us through Him. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the deep-seated assurance of God’s presence, love, and mercy, even amid our struggles and fears.
We also encounter Thomas, who famously doubts the resurrection until he can see and touch Jesus' wounds. His hesitancy resonates with many of us. In our journey of faith, we often grapple with doubt. It can feel alarming to admit our uncertainties, thinking that such feelings might alienate us from God. Yet, Thomas's doubt leads to a profound moment of revelation.
When Jesus meets him with kindness and understanding, He invites Thomas to touch His wounds—a tangible connection to Christ’s suffering and humanity. Jesus doesn’t scold Thomas for his doubt but offers him an invitation to faith. This interaction reminds us that our questions and doubts can lead us into a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy.
Divine Mercy Sunday calls us to remember that God’s mercy is not limited. It is as expansive as the love of Christ displayed on the cross. In the Second Reading from 1 Peter 1:3-9, we are reminded that through God’s great mercy, we have been given new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This "new birth" signifies transformation; it is an invitation to embrace a new way of living—one marked by hope, faith, and charity.
The message of Divine Mercy is accessible to everyone, regardless of where we are on our journey. It reminds us that no sin is too great to be forgiven and that God's love is always reaching out to us, even in our darkest moments. Just as the disciples were transformed from fear to faithful witnesses, we too are called to embrace the mercy offered in the Risen Christ and to allow it to shape our lives.
As we receive this abundant mercy, we are also called to be instruments of that mercy to others. Jesus meets us in our vulnerability and invites us to extend that same mercy to those who have wronged us, those who are marginalized, and even those who find themselves in despair.
Pope Saint John Paul II declared this Sunday as Divine Mercy Sunday, emphasizing the importance of God's infinite mercy in our lives. He reminded us that mercy is not merely a feeling; it is an action—a conscious choice to love when it is hard, to forgive when it seems impossible, and to reach out to others in their need. This calling requires courage and faith.
How do we live out this call to be merciful? First, we must immerse ourselves in the experience of God’s mercy personally. Through the sacrament of reconciliation, we encounter God’s forgiveness and receive grace to heal and transform our hearts. Daily prayer and reflection on sacred texts allow us to nurture a deeper relationship with God, enabling us to better recognize His presence throughout our lives.
Furthermore, we are called to embody mercy within our communities. We can look for opportunities to serve others, to listen to those who are suffering, and to offer help without judgment. Acts of kindness, charity, and love, even in small ways, can create ripples of mercy in the world around us.
As we continue this Easter season, let us keep our eyes fixed on the risen Christ, who invites us to share in His mercy. His wounds are a powerful reminder that He understands our pain and suffering intimately and has triumphed over them.
This Divine Mercy Sunday, as we receive the peace and love of Christ—just as the apostles did in that locked room—let us be empowered to go into the world as bearers of this same message. Let us proclaim the joy of the Resurrection and the depth of God’s mercy, which is available to all.
May our lives reflect the mercy we have received, and may we always trust in the promise that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.
Happy Feast
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