The Banquet of Divine Mercy

Acts 5:12-16.12, Rev. 1:9-11, Jn 20:19-31. Being the Second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy. On this day we recall how St Faustina was privileged to receive apparitions from Jesus emphasising His mercy. The first reading describes the enthusiastic ministry of the Apostles on the days after they have received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. They are truly on a mission – to proclaim the Good News that Jesus died, but is risen. As part of their inspired mission, they welcome new believers and allow the Lord Jesus to heal those upon whom their shadows fall. The second reading gives us a sense of what John called to proclaim his vision, to be aware of what is happening in the seven Churches - the communities of faith and look forward to what will happen. His relationship with the risen Lord implies His need to be vigilant and concerned for the communities of faith which are entrusted to him, even though he is on the penal Island of Patmos in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Today's Gospel tells us, how Jesus appears to His disciples and greets them with the message of 'Shalom'. When the other ten apostles relate to Thomas their experience of the Risen Jesus, he demands physical proof. Like Thomas, we may doubt the news that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, appeared to His disciples. In this scene, Thomas is given the opportunity to be our representative who obtains this evidence. He gives witness to us that Jesus who was raised is the same Jesus who had died. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are among those who are blessed for we have not seen and yet believed.

May the Lord bless us with His mercy and grant us His steadfast love! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Sunday!!!