Friends, we are called to celebrate the risen Christ the first fruit of all those who have fallen asleep, the hope of Christians, and the Cause of Our Joy. We must respond fully to the call of the Church this season to rejoice in the glory that is ours. Most importantly, we must give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who out of his mercy and generosity called us to have a share in the glory of Christ’s resurrection as well as to his kingdom. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we celebrate God’s mercy and invites us to trust in His love and forgiveness. The readings of today remind us of Jesus’ peace, forgiveness, and the importance of faith, even in times of doubt. Lord Jesus, on this Divine Mercy Sunday Year A, we thank You for Your mercy and love. Help us to receive Your forgiveness and to forgive others. Give us the courage to trust in You, even when we have doubts. Unite us as a community of faith and love.
Friends, today’s first reading recounts the new zeal, the new love, the new spirit that enveloped the early Christian community. A people who used to be afraid of the Jews and persecution, now have been transformed to a courageous people. They are now proud of who they are and their new heritage. This heritage is their sharing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the cause of their joy, love, unity and strength to witness. This is what the resurrection of Christ did for us also. It restores our confidence as a people of God. It lifts us from the dust and places us exactly where we belong. In short, it reinstates us. We are therefore now empowered and equipped in order to go out and continue to bear witness to the risen Christ.
Friends, in the second reading of this Sunday, Peter draws our attention to the gratuitous mercy of God towards us. This mercy culminates in his “giving us new birth as his sons and daughters,” by allowing us share in the resurrection of his beloved son Jesus Christ from the dead “so that we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fades away because it is being kept for you in the heavens.” Brothers and sisters, Heaven is guaranteed for all true children of God who abide in the will of God by bearing witness to the fact that Jesus is risen and is Lord both of the living and the dead. The necessary tool or requirement for taking this salvation according to Peter therefore, is Faith. “Through your faith God’s power will guard you until the salvation which has been prepared for you is revealed at the end of time.
Friends, in the gospel, the disciples are hiding in fear after Jesus’ crucifixion. They are scared and uncertain about their future. When Jesus appears to them, His first words are “Peace be with you.” This is more than a greeting. It is a message of comfort and reassurance. Jesus offers them peace to calm their fears and remind them that He is with them. Jesus then shows them His wounds. These wounds are proof of His suffering, but they are also a sign of forgiveness. Despite being abandoned by His closest friends during His crucifixion, Jesus does not hold their fear or doubt against them. He forgives them and gives them peace. This shows that His mercy is greater than their failures. Brothers and sisters, Divine Mercy Sunday Year A reminds us that Jesus offers us the same peace and forgiveness. No matter what mistakes we have made, Jesus is ready to forgive us. He invites us to come to Him with our fears, doubts, and sins. We don’t need to be perfect to receive His mercy. Today we are also called to share this peace and forgiveness with others. Just as Jesus forgave His disciples, we are asked to forgive those who have hurt us. By doing this, we bring His peace into our relationships and our world. Divine Mercy Sunday Year A challenges us to be instruments of peace and mercy. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a Joyful and prayerful Easter season.
