Peace says it all

    

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

16 April 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Second Reading: 1 Pt 1:3-9

Gospel: Jn 20:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Peace be with you. (Jn 20:19).

Jon was my friend since high school. Such friendship developed through the years especially when we started serving the parish through the Apostleship of Prayer. We had a misunderstanding once, which caused us to avoid each other in church. One evening, someone called out from outside our house. “Hello! We come here in peace!” It was Jon. Those words thawed away the cold treatment we were showing each other previously. We were reconciled right there and then!

What a relief it was for the fearful disciples when their Risen Lord and Friend appeared to them and said “Peace be with you.” Just three days before that blessed day, these same disciples deserted Him. Shouldn’t they get a tongue-lashing? And yet, here was Jesus giving them peace, showing His wounds, breathing on them the Holy Spirit, and sending them as agents of His mercy.

The Risen Lord is also doing the same to us through Word and sacraments, as well as in the poor condition of the least, the lost, and the last in our communities.  Have we rejoiced and made others rejoice in Jesus’ triumph over sin and death? Have we believed and made others believe in His resurrection? Have we been receptive and made others receptive to His healing?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for giving Your peace to our wearied and fearful hearts. May it continuously transform us so that we too may become instruments of Your healing love and mercy throughout the world. Jesus, King of Mercy, we trust in You. Amen.