2nd Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday April 27, 2025

Readings:  Acts 5:12-16 Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19    John 20:9-13

Today is the Second Sunday of Easter.  In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II designated this Sunday to also be Divine Mercy Sunday.  When we hear the word “mercy”, our thoughts might turn to the forgiveness of sins.  Forgiveness is an important part of God’s mercy.  Knowing our need for forgiveness, Jesus first died for our sins.  Then, during his appearance in the locked room, Jesus gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins.

We need mercy in the world today.  Pope John Paul II knew this when he named this Sunday as Divine Mercy Sunday.  Likewise, Pope Francis also understood the need for mercy today when he proclaimed a Jubilee Year of Mercy and Now Year of Hope.  However, God’s mercy is not only about God’s forgiveness.  At the core of the message of Divine Mercy that came through St. Faustina is that God loves us.

Jesus died because God loves us. Jesus appeared to his disciples in the locked room out of mercy because He knew they were confused and did not understand what had happened.  A week later, Jesus appeared again when Thomas was in the room.  Jesus knew Thomas did not believe what the other disciples told him about Jesus’ appearance.  Jesus appeared to Thomas not to condemn him but to help him believe.  Jesus appeared to Thomas because of God’s Divine Mercy.

Jesus greeted his disciples with “Peace be with you.”  This “peace” is what we seek.  It is not simply the absence of war and violence.  No, the peace that Jesus offers is a deep peace.  As part of his message of Divine Mercy to St. Faustina, Jesus told her, “Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to Divine Mercy.”

We give thanks that “his mercy endures forever” whether it be his forgiveness, his compassion for our physical needs, or his help spiritually, we “give thanks to the Lord for he is good.” God is always merciful.  Our experience of Divine Mercy begins in Baptism.  It continues always.  Knowing of God’s Divine Mercy, we can pray the words found on the image of Divine Mercy, “Jesus, I trust in you.”

We, Entrust Our beloved Pope Francis into the hands of Merciful Father and pray for his noble soul.  May the Good Lord grant him eternal reward.

      Fr. Terry.