Second Sunday of Easter (or Divine Mercy Sunday)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 63:10-19
Mass: Acts 2:42-47; Resp Ps 118; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Jn 20:19-31

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

HEART OF JESUS, OUR LIFE, OUR PEACE, AND OUR RESURRECTION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to the eighth day of the Easter Octave, the second Sunday of Easter, and since 2000, Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus is in our midst and says: Peace be with you (Jn 20:19).

I have here before me a book full of paintings by my favorite artist Caravaggio. As is my custom when today's Gospel account is proclaimed, I pull out my book and go to the magnificent work "Doubting of St Thomas". Look for it on the web and reflect perhaps before and after and even in the middle of reading today's Gospel. Jesus is there in His glorified body, pulling back His tunic to reveal the gaping hole in His side. The Risen Lord guides the hand of Thomas so he can insert his finger into the hole. How anyone could paint such a "live" image is beyond me. The look on Thomas's face too, complete with furrowed brow. Oh, "my Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28).

Each one of us, in the particular situation we find ourselves, is in a similar position to the disciples in today's Gospel. The doors are locked. Some may sit in fear. How can one not be at least anxious on some level. No one is going out. No one is coming in. Jesus pays no mind to this, He is coming in anyway! Peace be with you (Jn 20:26). He may be invisible but Jesus is with you. Jesus asks: Have you come to believe because you have seen me? (Jn 20:29). And adds: Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed (Jn 20:29).

An attitude of believing surrender rather than insistence on seeing and experiencing is the prerequisite for receiving peace, for any reception of a divine gift. One can have no peace as long as one doubts and holds back.

(Hans Urs von Balthasar)

The Christian response to the storms of life and history cannot but be mercy: compassionate love among us and toward everyone, especially toward those who suffer, who have more difficulties, and are abandoned.
(Pope Francis, Regina Coeli Address, April 19, 2020)

Today's photo: Easter beauty in West Linn, OR. Courtesy of d.
 

© Gertrude Feick 2020