Second Sunday of Easter (Or Sunday of Divine Mercy)
Reading 1 ACTS 5:12-16
Responsorial Psalm PS 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-2
- (1) Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Reading 2 REV 1:9-11A, 12-13, 17-19
Alleluia JN 20:29
- Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!
R.Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel JN 20:19-31
In 1985, a movie was released that was based on a popular board game called “Clue”. Clue was a murder/mystery with several characters and sub plots. This movie was unique because it was released to the theatres with 3 alternate endings. It was a pretty good marketing scheme because many people paid to see the movie 3 different times to see all 3 endings.
We are fortunate that our Gospel story today ends the way it does but to more fully appreciate the meaning, let us consider some alternate endings:
In our Gospel from John today, this is the first time Jesus appears to His disciples after His Resurrection. Jesus had spent years with these men during his public ministry. They had seen His miracles and several times heard Him predict His own suffering and death. After they saw Jesus get arrested, they were paralyzed by fear. They abandoned Jesus and He was left alone to defend Himself. The beloved disciple John was the only Apostle present for the crucifixion.
- Instead of forgiving them for their betrayal, can you imagine an alternate ending where Jesus punishes them?
- Instead of a peace filled visit behind the locked doors, can you imagine Jesus chastising them in a dream?
- Instead of sharing the Holy Spirit and sending them out to continue His ministry of mercy, can you imagine Jesus letting them all go and starting over with a new batch of disciples who had more loyalty and bravery?
It’s hard to imagine any of these alternate endings because they are so completely opposed to the true nature of Jesus. There are numerous examples from the life of Jesus and the lives of the Saints that support the truth:
- God is merciful and always forgives our sins in Reconciliation if we come to Him with repentance.
- We can find true peace when we experience the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
- No matter how many times we struggle to remain loyal and brave in our faith life, Jesus will keep encouraging us to forge ahead.
These universal truths are celebrated with Divine Mercy Sunday. As you may know, the 2nd Sunday after Easter was declared Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2000 by St. Pope John Paul II. This was done shortly after the canonization of St. Faustina, a Polish nun who died in 1938. The Church believes Jesus chose St. Faustina to receive private revelations concerning Divine Mercy that were recorded in her now famous diary.
The diary records 14 occasions when Jesus requested that a Feast of Mercy be celebrated. Jesus also appeared to St. Faustina in a vision with His right hand raised in a blessing and red and white rays emanating from His heart. These symbolize the blood and water that were poured out for our salvation. This vision was recorded in a painting in 1934 and is depicted in the image on the back wall today. The words: “Jesus, I trust in You” complete the message of mercy that bring graces to those who venerate it.
Since we are celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday, let us reflect on something a little closer to home: what keeps us from being more merciful in our everyday lives?
We know that God will forgive us if we come to Him with a contrite heart but sometimes we fail to forgive ourselves. If we are feeling guilty about a grievous sin, we may be carrying a heavy burden of shame around with us. The devil loves a troubled conscience and will make the most of this chink in our armor. If we can’t forgive ourselves, this guilt can overwhelm our spiritual life and prevent us from forgiving others.
Forgiving ourselves and others requires patience and kindness. It helps to have a joyful heart and peaceful spirit but love conquers all. Love, joy, peace, patience and kindness are fruits of the Holy Spirit that allow us to forgive and forget. These virtuous qualities are the signs of a person being guided by the Holy Spirit. Preserving them can be a daily struggle but just as the Apostles received the Holy Spirit from Jesus, we too can receive the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments.
To help us celebrate these Sacraments on Divine Mercy Sunday, Father Jim is having/had Eucharistic Adoration Sunday morning from 7:30 – 9:30am. During this time Father Jim and 2 other priests will hear/heard confessions. Anointing of the Sick is available at all the Masses this weekend.
The history and details of Divine Mercy Sunday may seem a little overwhelming but let us remember the Words of Jesus from our Gospel today: “Do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid to take a leap of faith into the deep end of God’s pool of infinite mercy that forgives every sin, clears every conscience and brings us peace.
Let us also not be afraid to share that forgiveness with people around us and be an image of mercy to others.
Click here to listen to homily