GROW AS A DISCIPLE
On this Easter Octave, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. As Jesus revealed to the Polish nun St. Faustina Kowalska, the blood and water that gushed forth from his side during his crucifixion would become a “fountain of mercy” for all of us. In today’s first reading, we witness what happens now that the Apostles have received that mercy flowing from the foot of the cross. Motivated by the mystery of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension and emboldened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, these men are now continuing his ministry of healing. Just as the ill and possessed flocked to Christ, so now those sick in body or spirit see the power of Christ working through the Apostles. The beauty of receiving God’s mercy is that it doesn’t stop once it’s been poured into us – his mercy compels us, inspiring us to become living fonts of mercy to those we encounter.
GO EVANGELIZE
In a somewhat confusing chronology, today’s Gospel takes place in time before the events in our first reading. So, we go with the disciples back to “the evening of that first day of the week.” They have been through a lot over the past weeks. They have watched their community turn on Jesus and give him over to be brutally killed. They have walked with him through his agonizing passion and bitter death, and they have witnessed his glorious resurrection from the dead. “Overwhelming” seems too small a word. Can you imagine the weight of their experience on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level? Now, in today’s Gospel, we see them gathered together behind locked doors, shaken from the recent events, and fearing for their own lives. Somehow, mysteriously, Jesus enters the room and says, “Peace be with you.” Three times, Jesus repeats this phrase to his disciples in this reading. Untethered by space and time and in the wake of grief and glory, the Savior of the world extends himself in an intimate encounter, radically present to those who love him.
REFLECT
Throughout today’s Scriptures, we see the Lord’s relentless pursuit of the human heart. We see a God who loves us so passionately that he pours himself into us, inviting us to partake in his mission by the outpouring of his mercy and the power of his Holy Spirit. Today, pause to reflect on the mercy of God. In what areas of your life can you see God’s mercy at work? How can you be an instrument of his mercy for others?
By the Faithful Disciple