Divine Mercy Sunday

04-07-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

After the death of Jesus, his disciples scattered, afraid and unsure of their fate, but in the end, their faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ prevailed. The newfound faith of the disciples led to a profound sense of unity among them. Their Easter faith has changed the way they live their lives. When we accept Jesus in our midst, the risen Lord is with us, and He is one with His Church, we can overcome our worries about our needs and the fear of those who act against the Church. Hopefully, like the first community of believers, with one heart and mind, we can freely and joyfully look after one another’s needs.

The Apostles were in hiding for fear that they were the next target after the death of Jesus. Although two (2) of them have seen the empty tomb and heard the women talk about seeing Jesus, they have not seen the Lord personally. While still in a state of shock and bewilderment, the Lord did not want to prolong their doubts and fears and appeared to the ten (10) and bestowed peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Now, with the Risen Lord before them, they remembered His words about His death and resurrection, and instantly, the fear of being blamed for abandoning Him and having a weak faith vanished, and they rejoiced Alleluia!

Because Thomas was not present when the Lord appeared to the Apostles the first time, his resentment of not having the same joy they exuded led him to demand physical evidence that Jesus had risen. Unless I see the mark of the nails on his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.

After a week, Jesus the Divine Mercy appears again in the presence of Thomas and invites Thomas to probe His sacred wounds: Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe! - The humbled Thomas responds with his confession of faith, My Lord and my God!

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy of Jesus, the revelation of His merciful heart. In the Gospel, Jesus showed Thomas what He showed St. Faustina: The sacred wounds that proved His unconditional love for us. The wounds from which the fountain of divine mercy flows. He invites us today to trust in His Divine Mercy. O blood and water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as the fount of mercy for us, I trust in you. Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have Mercy on Us and the whole world. Jesus, I trust in You!

When we accept the Divine Mercy and put our trust in Jesus like the Apostles and the first Christian communities, we are set free to live as children of God. If you remain in my word, you will be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (Jn. 8:31) Putting our trust in the Lord, who has conquered death, means the world has no more power over us. We have conquered the lies and deceptions of the world. True power comes when we humble ourselves before Him and renew our faith, saying, Jesus, I Trust in you!