His Mercy Endures Forever, Alleluia, Alleluia
Readings: 1st: Acts 4:32-35; Ps 117; 2nd: 1 Jn 5:1-6; Gos: Jn 20: 19-31
This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com or canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.
(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)
Today is the second Sunday of Easter. It is also Divine Mercy Sunday. On this special Sunday, the Church relishes in the joy of the resurrected Christ. She calls us to celebrate the resurrected Christ, the first fruit of all those who have fallen asleep, the hope of Christians, and the Cause of Our Joy.
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Today’s first reading recounts the new zeal, love, and spirit of the early Christian community. People who used to fear the Jewish authorities and persecution have been transformed into 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 today’s gospel, Christ presented himself to his disciples. During this crucial visit, He dispelled their fears and doubts. He restored their peace and commissioned them as ministers of the sacrament of reconciliation and mercy.
It suffices to note that it was not easy for Thomas to believe that Christ had risen. As we witness the resurrected Christ, we shall undoubtedly encounter those (some Thomas) who will doubt our testimony. Let us not be bothered by their unbelief and stubbornness. This is because God will convince them through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We must 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 world that Jesus Christ, our Lord, has risen from the dead.
Indeed, our salvation is guaranteed through the resurrection of Christ. However, according to Peter, our Faith is the necessary tool for taking this salvation. “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.
As we celebrate divine mercy Sunday today, the church reminds us that God extended his mercy to us by allowing his son to pay the ransom for our sins. Christ accomplished this through his paschal mystery.
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 incredible mercy.
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 thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is because his mercy and generosity endure forever.
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!
frcanicenjoku 