Sunday, April 8, 2018 2nd Sunday of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:32-35 2nd Reading: 1 Jn 5:1-6 Gospel: John 20:19-31
On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were, because of their fear of the Jews, but Jesus came and stood in their midst. He said to them,
“Peace be with you”; then he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples kept looking at the Lord and were full of joy.
Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” After saying this he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (…)
There were many other signs that Jesus gave in the presence of his disciples, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; believe and you will have life through his Name.
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday- the feast established by St. Pope John Paul II. Today’s Gospel reading about Jesus’ offer of peace to his disciples, and today’s Feast of the Divine Mercy highlight the intimate connection between peace and the mercy of God. Each time we embrace divine mercy, Jesus offers us peace.
Pope John Paul II prepared a message for Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005. Unfortunately he died the day before he was to deliver it. The review of his life that automatically rolled in the minds of people made the homily he had prepared more eloquent. That was because he lived a life of peace and tranquility derived from the mercy of God. The following is an excerpt of that homily:
“Today’s Gospel page of St. John underlines that the Risen One, on the night of that day, appeared to the Apostles and “showed them his hands and his side” (John 20:20), that is, the signs of the painful Passion printed indelibly on his body also after his Resurrection. Those glorious wounds, which eight days later he made the incredulous Thomas touch, reveal the mercy of God “for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16).”
“To humanity, which at times seems to be lost and dominated by the power of evil, egoism and fear, the risen Lord offers as a gift his love that forgives, reconciles and reopens the spirit to hope. It is love that converts hearts and gives peace. How much need the world has to understand and accept Divine Mercy!” (PP JPII).
Today many people continue to search for peace. But peace can come in many fraudulent forms. Genuine peace comes only to those willing to embrace the mercy of God. — (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.
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