DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 

(SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER)

Acts 4: 33-35

Psalm: Ps 117(118): 2-4, 15-18,22-24 

1John 5:1-6

John 20:19-31

In today’s electrifying gospel, the Risen Jesus bursts onto the scene, breaking through the locked doors where his disciples are hiding in fear! He empowers them with the incredible authority to forgive and retain sins. Just a week later, he ignites the faith of the doubting Thomas, transforming skepticism into belief. He performs numerous miraculous signs, many of which St. John notes aren’t even captured in this gospel! Meanwhile, in the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke paints a vivid picture of the early believers as a unified force, “heart and soul,” fueled by divine energy. Together, they shared everything and boldly testified to the Resurrection with immense power. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, their lives—and, through them, the entire course of history—are transformed forever!

In his first letter, St. John dives deep into the exhilarating relationship between individual Christians and the powerful Resurrection. He emphasizes that true faith comes from believing that Jesus is the Son of God, the very one who has overcome the world. This faith isn't just a response when times are good or based on fleeting emotions. No! St. John reminds us that God has done something monumental! The Word of God became flesh, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, and on that glorious third day, He rose from the dead! If you believe in God, accept that incredible truth. Faith is all about trusting in what God has accomplished.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church articulates it beautifully: “What makes us believe is the fact that revealed truths appear as true and intangible in the natural light of reason: we believe because of the authority of God himself who reveals them” (Para. 156). In Catholicism, faith comes first, echoing St. Anselm's famous phrase fides quaerens intellectum—Faith seeking understanding—reminding us that true understanding starts with an all-powerful God, not with our limited minds.

Saint Thomas stands as an inspiring model for us all. Though he believed in God, he initially struggled to accept the miracle of the Risen Lord. He foolishly claimed, “I will believe when I understand.” But when he finally exclaims, “My Lord and my God,” he embraces the mighty work God has done in resurrecting Jesus—even without full comprehension! He stops wasting his energy on doubt and instead opens himself up to the divine energy pulsating through the early Church. Like all of us, he embarks on a thrilling journey toward deeper faith and understanding, anchored in the awe-inspiring truth that God raised Jesus from the dead.

In our Christian lives, we’re called to engage deeply—not just by observing but actively participating in the flow of divine energy that surged on Resurrection Day! Listening to homilies, sermons, and lectures, delving into the Bible and the Catechism—all of these intellectual pursuits elevate our understanding. The sacraments nurture our faith and devotion, awakening our spiritual lives and enriching our hearts. We are not on the sidelines; we are the Church, living out the very essence of the Easter mystery!

As Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina in one of his powerful apparitions, “Humanity will find no peace until it turns trustfully to divine mercy.” Today, the Risen Lord extends his gifts of Peace and Mercy to us! Let us embrace these blessings wholeheartedly, ready to surrender to the authority of God who raised Jesus from the dead, confident that He will guide us, hear us, and answer our prayers.

Jesus, my Lord and my God!  

Jesus, I trust in you!  

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the embodiment of Divine Mercy— for the sake of your sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world!