2^nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday, Year C)

Acts 5:12-16   Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19   John 20:19-31

Theme: The mercy of God

Today is the second Sunday of Easter, also known as the Divine Mercy Sunday. This is a celebration that was instituted by Saint Pope John Paul II. Our readings today all point to the fact that the mercy of God is overwhelming. The mercy of God continues to abound in our lives and continues to abound in our world. This mercy brings down to us the unconditional love of God for His people. As we celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday today, it calls to mind the wonderful privilege that God has presented to us because of his mercy and unconditional love. Today, according to St. Faustina we are given the wonderful privilege and opportunity for renewal. This stems from the fact that the Lord promised that those who go to confession and receive holy communion today, will receive both forgiveness of sins, and remission of temporal sin and punishment, even if we had our confession earlier than today, it is also valid. My brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the mercy of God, we are also called in a very special way to exhibit this same mercy in our human relationships.

In the Gospel reading we see how God continues to show us his mercy. We see the institution of the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesus gives the command to the Apostles that those whose sins they forgive are forgiven, and those that they retain are retained. This goes to show us the wonderful love that God has for humanity. He presents us the sacrament to give us healing, to give us newness of life. My brothers and sisters, how well are we making good use of this wonderful sacrament of reconciliation? In the sacrament of reconciliation, we see the mercy of God at work; we meet God as He really is. We are all encouraged today to make use of the sacrament of reconciliation.

Let us also make honest and sincere effort to extend this same mercy to our brothers and sisters in Christ. It may be difficult, it may be challenging, but one thing is certain: For those who believe in God, everything works well for good.  That is why He says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Let us continue to stand firm in his promises. Let us not lag in our efforts because He never disappoints those who hope in Him. The mercy of God we see all around us, in our families, in our schools, in our places of work, in our marketplaces, should bear good fruits in our lives.

Let us strive to ensure that this mercy bears fruits in our lives. We should always remember that reconciliation is the key. Let us equally come to terms with the fact that when there is need for it, we should not compromise. This is because in reconciliation we meet God, and we find peace and love established again in our lives. Let us learn to embrace this wonderful invitation presented to us in today’s celebration. We serve a loving and merciful God. We pray that we appreciate the unconditional love of God in our daily living and may God bless us, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.