Sunday of Divine Mercy

Acts 4:32-35
1 Jn 5:1-6
Jn 20:19-31

GROW: Do you ever have times – at the dinner table or at a gathering of friends – where all seems right with the world? I often hold my breath, conscious of the fragility of those moments, fearful that saying something might jinx things. It’s a little like rooting for a pitcher cruising into the bottom of the ninth with a no-hitter – that feeling that we are on the verge of perfection. Well, as Christians, we are on that verge, although perfection will not come in this life but the next. And so, as fleeting as these human moments feel, and can actually be, we are reminded in today’s psalm: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting … Let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’” As we celebrate this Divine Mercy Sunday, and enter the second week of Easter, let us give thanks for the gift of God’s great mercy, and pray for the grace to be as loving and merciful to others.

GO: I’m taken by the story of doubting Thomas. For a long time I’ve focused on the “doubting” part of his name, the fact that he demanded to place his fingers in the nail marks and his hand in Jesus’ side. However, when Jesus addresses Thomas, Thomas’ response is immediate and unqualified: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas has recognized the divine nature of Jesus; he sees him not just as the man he has followed, but as God. As Catholics, we may sometimes face questions about how the Church has come to believe and teach certain things. Thomas’ ultimate affirmation encourages us to be steadfast in our faith, and to be patient with any of our own and others’ questions. That is because Christ will come to meet us where we are. As the Incarnation of God’s divine mercy, Jesus Christ is the one who hears our doubts and insecurities, and he answers them: “Here I am. Look at me. Touch me. Feel my presence.” Thomas was not afraid, and we need not fear either. God’s mercy is upon us, “and the victory that conquers the world is our faith.” Let us witness to our faith as Thomas did to his.

PRAY: Today is Divine Mercy Sunday, a day when we are reminded of God’s immense love and mercy for us. Learn more about this day and how to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet: usccb.org/prolife/divine-mercy-sunday.