02nd Sunday of Easter - Divine Mercy Sunday: April 27, 2025
Readings: Acts 5:12–16; Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24; Revelation 1:9–13, 17–19; John 20:19–31
1. Locked Doors and Opened Hearts
The Gospel of John 20:19-31 is rich with meaning and emotion. It narrates the first encounters of the disciples with the Risen Christ. These are not merely stories of supernatural appearances; they are transformative moments that changed frightened, doubting, and disillusioned followers into courageous witnesses who shaped the early Church. The disciples were locked in, paralyzed by fear and confusion. However, Christ meets them in their fear and confusion.
This is the same group who had followed Jesus with hope but had now seen Him crucified. Their dreams had died with Him. But in the midst of that fear, Jesus appears. Not with condemnation, but with peace. His first words are not a rebuke but a gift: “Peace be with you.” This is the first meaning of the Resurrection: Jesus enters even our locked spaces—the rooms of fear, guilt, trauma, and doubt—and breathes peace. He doesn’t wait for us to be worthy or ready. He comes to us as we are, bringing life into the places of death.
2. Wounds That Heal and Breaths New Lease of Life
The Risen Christ still bears the wounds of His crucifixion. This detail is not accidental. It reminds us that resurrection is not about erasing the past, but transforming it. The pain and suffering are not denied; they are now redeemed. His wounds are no longer symbols of defeat but of victory. This means that our own wounds—our past hurts, failures, betrayals—can also become channels of grace. We need not hide them. The Risen Christ embraces woundedness, and in doing so, invites us to do the same.
3. Easter: The Journey from Doubt to Faith
The Christian life is, therefore, not a nostalgic clinging to the past or a fearful waiting for heaven. It is about being people of the Resurrection here and now, people who are sent into the world as bearers of peace, mercy, and healing. Thomas, the disciple of our Lord, represents all of us. We all wrestle with doubt. But Thomas’ story is not one of rebuke; it is one of mercy, in fact, of divine mercy. Jesus meets him where he is. He invites him to touch, to see, to believe. For him, seeing is believing. The Risen Lord is not scandalized by our doubts; He walks with us through them.
There is great excitement in the Easter season because the Resurrection means that love has triumphed over death, that forgiveness is stronger than sin, and that God’s promises are real. This joy is not naive; it is born from facing suffering and still choosing to hope. With the words “My Lord and My God!” Thomas moves from skepticism to surrender. It is the invitation of Easter: not merely to believe that Jesus rose from the dead, but to encounter the living Christ and give Him our hearts.
Questions for self-reflection
- What are the “locked doors” in my life—fears, doubts, or past experiences—that I need Jesus to enter through?
- Do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my decisions and shape my heart each day?
- How can I live more fully as a person of the Resurrection in my relationships, work, and prayer?
2 comments:
Thank you father for the soul searching reflecting. Even in our confusion and doubt Jesus enters and empoers us. I only need to trust him
Very meaningful Reflections.
I was very much touched by the words, Resurrection is born out of suffering and Jesus does not wait for our state of holiness. He enters into our weakness as we are. Your thoughts are encouraging me to rise above my fears and sadness hoping for something better and unique.
Thank you and God bless you
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