Second Sunday of Easter year B

On this second Sunday of Easter, let us consider the value of faith as it is expressed in today’s readings. Also, this day is celebrated as the Divine mercy Sunday, established by St. John Paul II of happy memory, inspired by the revelations of Jesus to St. Faustina.

            As we journey the terrain of this life, we sometimes experience doubts, confusion, and questioning. Other times we are lost in the abyss of unknowing, loneliness, and disbelief. These experiences highlight the value that faith can add to our lives. It plays an important role to bring joy and peace, serenity and calmness that is lost during these experiences in life. So, with faith we can have a positive outlook in this life. From today’s Gospel, we notice someone who had a similar experience of doubts, and perhaps, confusion or questioning. He is Thomas one of Jesus’ disciples. Also from the present virus pandemic, we have a woman who had three children and lost her job because of the pandemic. After a month without the job and no savings at all, she ran out of food. She began to realize the growing challenge to feed her family. While she didn’t know what to do next, there seemed to be no hope of getting her job back. Her little kids did not understand what was going on but deep within her was the truth that life was getting hard. She didn’t know any alternative ways to navigate the new terrain of life that was beginning to unfold. She remained thinking and asking, “what’s in the world?” Her journey of many struggles and pain began to roll while her only hope was to trust in God. Her soul thirsted for love that never fails those who have faith in God.

            Faced by the present pandemic and other challenges in life, we become doubtful, confused, and we question. We have also seen hatred experienced in our world, shootings, corruption, and injustices in disregard for the common good. When this happens, we tend to express that little or great part of Thomas in us. Nevertheless, the risen Lord does not forget that we are still his disciples, and he continues to appear to us during these moments of crisis and doubts. When he appears, he brings the gift of peace. When the gift of peace is lived in faith community like in the first reading, unity and charity thrives. Hatred and evil are conquered by the power of faith, and mercy reigns as the special character of God and his sons and daughters. Because of that, the Psalmist prayer of thanksgiving to God for His everlasting love, becomes our prayer.

            Therefore, as we celebrate this second Sunday of Easter, focusing on the value of faith, let us also be grateful to God’s gift of mercy that is integral to Christian life of faith and prayer. Indeed, God’s special nature is expressed in mercy. And although we might be doubtful sometimes like Thomas, let us take one more step of trust in God’s mercy. He will touch our wounds, doubts, confusion, and heal us. The disciples in the upper room had shut all the doors for fear, but surely, God’s door of mercy is never shut. In fact, the risen Lord entered their room, dispelled all their fear and doubts, and gave them the fruit of mercy, that is, Peace. When we continue to share this fruit and gift of mercy offered to us by the risen Lord, our church community, families, and relationships, will reflect the early Christian community life of unity and charity, into which mercy is embodied.

Christian Action This Week:  Be honest and merciful to others.

Happy Easter, with Joy and Peace.