The infinite mercy and grace of God

Acts 4:32-35; Psalm: 117; 1Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31

Divine Mercy Sunday is a special day in the Christian calendar that is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. It is a day when Christians reflect on the mercy and forgiveness of God, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. In today’s Gospel, we see the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection and bestowing upon them the power to forgive sins. This passage is a powerful reminder of the infinite mercy and grace of God and the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life.

In this passage, we see Jesus appearing to his disciples in a locked room, despite their fear and doubt. He greets them with the words, “Peace be with you,” and shows them his wounds as proof of his resurrection. This act of showing his wounds is a powerful symbol of the forgiveness and mercy that he offers to all who believe in him. It is a reminder that no sin is too great to be forgiven, and that God’s mercy knows no bounds.

One of the disciples, Thomas, was not present when Jesus appeared to the others. When he heard about the resurrection, he refused to believe unless he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds for himself. Jesus lovingly accommodated Thomas’ request, showing him his wounds and inviting him to believe. This interaction between Jesus and Thomas is a beautiful example of God’s patience and understanding. It shows that God is willing to meet us where we are, and to help us overcome our doubts and fears.

After showing his wounds to Thomas, Jesus tells him, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This statement is a reminder that faith is not dependent on physical proof, but on trust in the unseen. It challenges us to believe in the mercy and forgiveness of God, even when we cannot see or touch it. It calls us to have faith in the power of God’s love to transform our lives and bring us peace.

In the second part of the passage, Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit onto his disciples and grants them the authority to forgive sins. This act of conferring the power to forgive sins is a demonstration of the divine mercy that is available to all who repent and turn to God. It shows that no sin is too great to be forgiven, and that God’s mercy is always available to those who seek it. It is a reminder that we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven, and to offer mercy and grace to all.

The story of Jesus appearing to his disciples and bestowing upon them the power to forgive sins is a powerful reminder of the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life. It shows that forgiveness is central to the message of the gospel, and that we are called to extend mercy and grace to others just as God has extended it to us. It challenges us to let go of resentment and bitterness, and to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness in our lives.

As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we are called to reflect on the infinite mercy and forgiveness of God, as demonstrated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are called to remember that no sin is too great to be forgiven, and that God’s mercy knows no bounds. We are challenged to forgive others as we have been forgiven, and to extend mercy and grace to all who seek it. It is a day to renew our commitment to living lives of forgiveness and mercy, and to be ambassadors of God’s love to a world in need.

In conclusion, the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples in today’s Gospel is a powerful reminder of the divine mercy and forgiveness that is available to all who believe in him. It challenges us to have faith in the unseen, and to trust in the power of God’s love to transform our lives. It calls us to let go of resentment and bitterness, and to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness. As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, let us remember the words of Jesus: “Peace be with you.” Let us extend that peace and forgiveness to others, and be agents of God’s mercy in the world.