Divine Mercy Sunday: John 20:19-31

Every second Sunday of Easter is known as the Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast instituted by Pope Saint John Paul II on the 30 of April 2000.

Today's gospel presents us with the events of the first and second visits of Jesus to his apostles. They were still locked up in a room for fear of the Jews.

We also notice their fear of facing Jesus, whom they had disappointed.

They could only imagine how much Jesus suffered when Judas betrayed him, Peter denied him, and the rest of the disciples, save John, abandoned him. Just when Jesus needed their help, they failed him.

The disciples were afraid to face Jesus because of what they had done to him. They thought he would surely condemn them for their infidelity.

However, Jesus appears to them and calms down their fears. He grants them peace instead of condemnation.

There was no trace of bitterness, anger, and resentment towards his unfaithful disciples, but only warmth of love and forgiveness.

He did not only come to dispel and expel their fears, but he also came to empower them with his spirit to continue his mission of reconciling people with the father.
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. We are also called to be ambassadors of God's Mercy. As we receive the unending Mercy of God, we ought to show mercy to our brothers and sisters.

May the celebration of this Divine Mercy Sunday inspire us in our need to seek and find the Mercy of God and in return, also show mercy to everyone, even to those who have hurt us.

Jesus, I Trust In You

Fr Frank kyazze Lwanga