Gospel: April 7, 2024
(Sunday)
2nd Sunday of Easter
Psalter: Week 2 / (White)
Divine Mercy Sunday
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love is everlasting.
1st Reading: Acts 4: 32-35
2nd Reading: 1 John 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 among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” Then he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples, seeing the Lord, 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! Those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; those whose sins you retain, they are retained.”
Thomas, the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he replied, “Until I have seen in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, the disciples were again inside the house and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; stretch out your hand, and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe!” Thomas said, “You are my Lord and my God.” Jesus replied, “You believe because you see me, don’t you? Happy are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” 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!
Lectio Divina
Read: On the evening of the first day after the Sabbath, the disciples were in a locked room. They feared the Jews. Jesus stood in their midst. He gave them his peace twice. Then Jesus sent his disciples while breathing on them the Holy Spirit. Thomas was not with them. After eight days, they were again together and Thomas was with them. Jesus again gave them his peace. Jesus asked Thomas to put his finger into Jesus’ hands and touch his side, inviting Thomas to believe. Thomas professed, saying “My Lord and my God!”
Reflect: Today is the last day of the Easter Octave. This day is also known as the Divine Mercy Sunday. We ponder on God’s mercy and compassion. Jesus’ giving of peace to his disciples who abandoned him during his passion and death indicates God’s overflowing and immeasurable mercy. Despite the disciples’ abandonment, Jesus offered them his peace. The sense of peace or shalom which Jesus gives entails not only the absence of conflict but includes all the blessings a person may receive from God. We may reflect that what enabled Thomas to make a profession of faith was not merely the invitation that Thomas would touch Jesus but the shalom that Thomas received when Jesus appeared in their midst. Thomas must have profoundly felt Jesus’ forgiveness. He must have felt the touch of the Divine Mercy.
Pray: Let us pray that the Divine Mercy may keep touching our hearts.
Act: Let us sincerely forgive somebody who hurt us.
