2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER or DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
MERCY MUST BE FELT
Does it sound a bit strange that as we celebrate the
end of the Easter octave, now very popularly known as Divine Mercy Sunday, the
gospel’s main feature is the disbelief of Thomas the Apostle? Easter is about
faith, and the reaction of one of Jesus’ closest friends is unbelief (Jn 20:
19-31).
However it might really be a good idea to celebrate
Easter knowing that a growing number of people all around the world are
abandoning their faith, refusing to believe, unable to take hold of the message
offered by the Risen One.
Many of those who are incapable of believing do not
do so because they like it. Many
of them are forced to disbelieve because they cannot feel the power of the
resurrection, the mercy of the God who is victor over death. They cannot see the truth behind the
message because there seems to be no proof.
There is a close connection between faith and God’s
mercy. When people feel God’s mercy, they open their hearts to the Lord. When
people are deprived of the experience of mercy, they begin to doubt that God is
interested in them.
The first reading tells us how the early Christian
community grew in membership and grew in unity. It was because the community made possible the experience of
mercy for the brethren. No one was selfish. No one was neglected in his or her
need (Acts 4: 32ff). The community
was the proof of the mercy of God.
Today it is a big challenge for all of us. Our love
for the Divine Mercy has brought us to the road of devotional practices,
devotional objects, and devotional gatherings. We have medals, pictures,
chaplets, enthronement, novenas, 3’o clock habit, etc.
But do the needy and poor feel the mercy of those
who say they found Divine Mercy?
Do our words and preaching also translate into reaching out to the
suffering? Do we preach mercy and yet, show indifference and build walls
between us and other people?
Our model is Jesus Himself, the Divine Mercy. For
Jesus, mercy must be extended. He appeared to his fearful disciples. He
approached Thomas and even allowed him to touch his wounds.
The mercy of Jesus is not just a message but an
action.
Lord, make me a living proof of your mercy by being
loving and caring to people who need my attention and my friendship today and
always.
