Deacon TomWrites,

“Peace be with you”

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy), Year C

Today on the Octave of Easter we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. It is the eighth day after Jesus’ triumphant victory over death, the reason for our wholehearted joy today. It is fitting for us to reflect on God’s unconditional and constant love for us on this day set aside in honor the Divine Mercy for it is thorough God’s Mercy we were redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

We read today about the life of Jesus’ Apostles and the early days of the church. They weren’t looking to establish a religion to rival their Jewish faith. They had no such grandiose plans to create a massive organization. What they wanted to do was spread the word about all they had seen and heard. They had to keep Jesus’ story alive. And, to this end they were very successful, as we read today, “…the people esteemed them” as they worked signs and wonders among them. The Apostles were sharing the powers that they had received from the Holy Spirit, “On the evening of that first day of the week”. Enlivened by the Holy Spirit they left the room they had locked themselves in and fearlessly began to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News that God’s reign had begun. And the people were eager to hear that Good News, for not only were “…great numbers of men and woman were added to them”, but also, “…the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits … were all cured”. And so it began!

Today we ask ourselves in what ways God has shown us his mercy and reflect on the many ways God’s Mercy has touched our live. We may recall the words with which Jesus greeted His Apostles as we begin our contemplation, “Peace be with you”. It is so fitting for us to call to mind the peace of Christ for most of are desperate for God’s peace, a peace the world cannot give. In the shadow of the Christ’s rising from the dead all Christians desire to be filled with his gentle spirit and humble heart. After all, we’re no different than those people who heard the Apostles and followed them. They were looking for inner peace within themselves, peace in their families and neighbors, and in the world around them; they too were eager to ease their troubled hearts and be connected with inner peace of the risen Lord.  Don’t we all? 

As we bask in these “Glory Days” of Easter, let’s strive to find little ways to bring God’s peace into our lives and the lives of our family and friends around us. Because we have experienced God’s love and mercy, let’s pass it on to those who may be carrying heavy burdens or who may be getting beaten down by the challenges they face so they too may experience the precious Gift of God’s peace, one single facet of the infinite Mercy God desires to share with all his children. 

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom