His Mercy Endures Forever, Alleluia, Alleluia

Readings: 1st: Acts 2: 42-47; Ps 117: 2-4. 13-24; 2nd: 1Pt 1: 3-9; Gos Jn 20: 19-31)           

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.  

Today is the second Sunday of Easter. It is and also, the Divine Mercy Sunday. On this special Sunday, the Church continues to relish in the joy the risen Christ. We are called to celebrate the risen Christ the first fruit of all those who have fallen asleep, the hope of Christians, and the Cause of Our Joy.

Today’s first reading recounts the new zeal, the new love, and the new spirit of the early Christian community. A people who used to be afraid of the Jews and persecution, now have been transformed to a courageous people. They are now proud of themselves and their new heritage.

This heritage is their sharing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the cause of their joy, love, unity and strength. This is what the resurrection of Christ did for us also. It restored our confidence as the people of God. It lifts us from the dust, and places us exactly where we belong. In short, it reinstates us.

In the second reading, Peter draws our attention to the mercy of God towards us. In his mercy, God has given us a new birth by allowing us to share in the resurrection of Christ: “So that we have a sure hope, and the promise of an inheritance that can never be destroyed.” So, what we celebrate this season is also God’s wonderful mercy.

Surely, our salvation is guaranteed through the resurrection of Christ. However, the necessary tool for taking this salvation according to Peter, is our Faith. “Through your faith, God’s power will guard you, until the salvation which has been prepared for you is revealed at the end of time. So, only faith can guarantee our salvation in the resurrected Christ.

In today’s gospel, Christ presented himself to his disciples. During this very important visit, He dispelled their fears and doubts. He restored their peace, and commissioned them as ministers of the sacrament of reconciliation.

It suffices to note that it was not easy for Thomas to believe that Christ has risen. As we witness to the risen Christ, we shall certainly encounter those (some Thomas) who will doubt our testimony. Let us not be bothered by their unbelief and stubbornness. This is because, God himself will convince them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

All we need is, to simply to pass on the message and leave Christ the risen Lord to convince them. So, like the disciples of Christ, let us continue to announce the good news to the whole world that Jesus Christ our Lord has truly risen from the dead.

As we celebrate divine mercy Sunday today, we are reminded that God extended his mercy to us by allowing his son pay the ransom for our sins. Christ accomplished this through his paschal mystery.

Finally, we too, must extend this mercy to others. Hence, we are called to be apostles of mercy. So, as we spread the good news of Christ’s resurrection, we must give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is because, in his mercy and generosity endures forever.

Peace be with you all!!

Maranatha!!