Divine Mercy

04-11-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

After the death of Jesus, his disciples scattered, afraid and unsure what their fate will be. But their faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ prevailed. It led to a profound sense of unity among His disciples. Easter faith has changed the way they lived their lives. When we accept Jesus in our midst, the risen Lord is with us, and that He is one with His Church, we can overcome our worries about our needs and fear of those who act against His Church. But like the first community of believers, with one heart and mind, we can freely and joyfully look after one another’s needs.

The Apostles were in hiding for fear that they are the next target after the death of Jesus. Two of them have seen the empty tomb and have heard the women talk about seeing Jesus, but they have not seen the Lord. The Lord did not prolong their doubts and fears, for He appeared to the ten (10) and bestowed on them peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Seeing the Risen Lord, they remembered His words about His death and resurrection, and their fear of being blamed for abandoning Him and having a weak faith vanished, and they rejoiced.

Thomas was not present when the Lord appeared to them the first time. His resentment of not having the same joy that they exude led him to demand physical evidence that Jesus has risen. “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

After a week, Jesus, full of Divine Mercy, appears again in the presence of Thomas. He invites Thomas to probe His sacred wounds: Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe! Thomas humbled, responds with his confession of faith, My Lord and my God!

Today we celebrate His Divine Mercy, the revelation of His merciful heart. Jesus showed Thomas what He showed St. Faustina: The sacred wounds that proved His unconditional love for us. The wounds from which the fountain of divine mercy flows. He invites us today to trust in His Divine Mercy. O blood and water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as the fount of mercy for us, I trust in you. Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have Mercy on Us and the whole world.

Jesus, I trust in You!

When we accept the Divine Mercy and put our trust in Jesus: like the Apostles and the first Christian communities, set us free to live as children of God. “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, 32. and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn. 8:31) Putting our trust in the Lord, who has conquered death, means the world has no more power over us. We have conquered the lies and deceptions of the world. True power comes when we can humble ourselves before Him and renew our faith saying, Jesus, I Trust in you!