Sun., April 23, 2017

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” John 20:28-29

What speaks to me most about Divine Mercy Sunday is the reminder of God’s everlasting merciful love. The responsorial psalm (Psalm 118) says it over and over – “His mercy endures forever” … “His love is everlasting.”

I sometimes take that for granted. I speak of it and I believe it. But then when I am faced with something in my own life, I sometimes hesitate and ask that question – will God still love me after this?

Often, I am able to say, Yes! But sometimes, that doubt creeps in, and like Thomas, I want to see it for myself. I want to experience God’s mercy for real.

The wonderful thing about today’s gospel story of Thomas is, I do not feel so bad for those weak moments of unbelief. If it can happen to one who “sees”, then doubt can happen to all of us. In fact, I think having doubt actually leads us to grow more in our faith. We ask a lot of questions. We say a lot of prayers.

After all, let’s look again at Thomas. He is the first one to say – My Lord and My God!

Lord, thank you for your everlasting love and mercy. Help me to trust in it always. Help me to be like Thomas, so when I experience your presence, I do not hesitate to witness and say to all who will hear – My Lord and My God! Amen.

Tagged as: Divine mercy, mercy