2nd Sunday of Easter Year C - Gospel Reflection

John 20:19-31   

            After Christ’s Passion and Death, the disciples went into hiding, fearing the Jews who were still eager to remove the mark Jesus had left on the world. Surely by this time too, they had begun to realize their mistake in abandoning Him. Whether they truly felt sorrow for having offended their beloved teacher, or if they were more focused on the punishment and disappointment induced by such an act, the disciples most likely had come to some sort of acknowledgment of their deserting Christ. Having left everything to follow Him, they gained everything. Then, having abandoned Him, they lost everything.      

            Imagine the disciples' astonishment, when the Risen Christ appeared before them. The doors had been locked, but just as no tomb could contain Him, no lock could prevent Jesus. Perhaps they were still trying to comprehend the events that had just unfolded, with vivid images still fresh in their minds. How long did it take for them to get over such a shock? Would they have stood dumbfounded, with eyes transfixed upon the figure before them, or would they have instantly rejoiced? If the disciples' excitement did not dull what sorrow they felt for having left their Master, what consolation must have been given them when the first words He spoke were “Peace be with you.” Their experience of Jesus’s mercy must have been so profound, as they had displayed before them the very wounds which it effectuated. 

                This mercy is what we especially call to mind on this particular Sunday, known as the Feast of Divine Mercy, or “Divine Mercy Sunday.” Our Lord offers us, each and every day, that same mercy with which He treated the Apostles. However, He specifically wanted the first Sunday after Easter to be a day specially set aside in honor of His mercy, which He wishes to extend to all who are willing to receive it. For indeed, we play a part in the reception of this Divine Mercy, as it will be fruitless in us if we do not accept it and allow Him to transform our lives through it. This solemn feast is an opportunity to reflect upon the Divine Mercy of Jesus, to repent of our sins, and seek forgiveness. Jesus is waiting for us to open the doors to our hearts; let us not lock ourselves in from fear as the Apostles did. Trust in His mercy, seek it with humility. Those words He spoke to the Apostles extend to all: Peace be with you. 

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