Celebrating the Mercy of God in the Risen Jesus

In this Sunday’s second reading, Peter reminds us of the great gift of mercy given to us by God through the Risen Christ:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.

The meaning of “mercy” is rich because it encompasses forgiveness, liberation, compassion, gift, and love. On this Mercy Sunday, we find ourselves still celebrating the Resurrection when the doubting Thomas enters the picture. He represents all of us in those moments when our faith wavers. An encounter with the Risen Jesus restores Thomas’s belief, and then all the mercy that Jesus extended in his ministry must have flooded Thomas’s memory: forgiving sinners, freeing the oppressed, healing the sick, giving the gift of sight, and loving God’s people – even unto death. When faith is lacking, we should think of those moments of mercy we have experienced from God –and our sisters and brothers — who gifted us with mercy in times of fear, loss, loneliness, sickness, and doubt. Mercy abounds in the Sacramental life of the Church: Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick.

Peter continues on the theme of mercy and the gift of faith, explaining the precious value of faith in times of trial:

In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

We don’t see Jesus as Thomas saw him, but we know Him; and we surely believe in Him when we have received mercy in His name – from the Church and from one another. May our experience of mercy enable us to give that gift more freely.

Yours in Christ, Our Merciful Savior,