Sunday of Divine Mercy
Dear Parishioners:
On this Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, we reflect on the mercy Christ shows us every day. We have the Apostle Thomas as an example of this mercy in this week's Gospel. Most of us know the story of doubting Thomas. Even though he has this nickname we witness a lot of doubting going on after Jesus is arrested and crucified. Those who followed him didn’t understand how he could die. Even though he told them he was going to die and rise three days later, no one remembered.
We read on Easter Sunday that the women who were there when Jesus was laid in the tomb came back to finish what they couldn’t because of the Sabbath. Instead of expecting to find an empty tomb they expected to find his body on Easter Sunday. Everyone had their doubts after he died. Jesus showing compassion and mercy appeared to them and proved to them that it was him. He even allowed Thomas to put his fingers into the holes in his palms and to place his hand into his side.
There are times we can be like Thomas, and we only want to believe in what is right in front of us. We need touch, feel, and see it to believe it. Jesus said to Thomas “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Our faith goes beyond what we can see. Like the disciples we read about in the Gospel we all have doubts at times, and we may stumble and fall, but Jesus loves us and wants to forgive us. We just need to acknowledge our faults and bring them to him in reconciliation. He is merciful no matter what we have done, what thoughts we may have, or what we have said; if we bring them to him he will forgive us. He also wants us to have mercy and forgive others in the same way he does for us.
May we continue to strengthen our belief in our loving and merciful savior Jesus Christ. Let’s follow his example by loving and forgiving others as he does with us.
Your brother in Christ
Deacon Manny
