Sunday, April 11, 2021

 Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, 2021

(Acts 4: 32-35; I John 5: 1-6; John 20, 19-31)

Thirteen years ago Pope Benedict baptized a Muslim on the Easter vigil. The convert, a native of Egypt, was a well-known journalist in Italy. He said at the time that he was putting his life in danger by becoming a Catholic. Despite his demonstration of faith and courage, a few years later the convert left the Church. We are reminded of his story when we read today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

The reading describes the life of the early Church in Jerusalem. It says that in the beginning all members of the community were of the same heart and mind. They shared all their resources so that no one would go in need. However, in the sequel of the story a fraud appears among the members. A couple pretends to give all the money received from the sale of their house to the community. However, they have kept a part of it for themselves. It seems more pride than greed that motivates the couple. They want to be known as generous. In sum, despite the recent renewal with the Holy Spirit, sin is lurking to entangle Christians in intrigues.

Now we too have to fight the temptation to sin. Many times it is hurt pride that moves us to offend God. Parents often have this experience. They want to be the best possible guardians possible for their children. They promise themselves to show understanding and wisdom when their children have problems. But when they get the report that their son was disrupting class for the fifth time this year, they lose their patience. They don't want their child to be the class clown. They yell at him and threaten exaggerated punishment. What should they do to resolve the situation?  Yes, they have to talk with their child, but they must also seek inner healing.

According to the gospel today, there is no better remedy than to submit to the mercy of Jesus. The gospel shows an apostle making a pathetic mistake. On the day of the resurrection the disciples heard from Mary Magdalene that Jesus lives. When they went to the tomb, they did not find his body. That night Jesus appeared to them, but Thomas was not with them. When they tell Thomas that they saw the Lord, he rejects their testimony. With great fanfare he says that if he does not stick his finger in his wounds, he will not believe. It is a lack of faith on the part of no less than a companion of Jesus. But Jesus, always great in mercy, does not let Thomas languish in unbelief. He comes to offer him his wounds in a gesture of supreme generosity.

He offers us also a second or third or seventieth opportunity to reconcile when we fail him. He is there in the confessional waiting for us with tears. One of the wisest saints said, "By not confessing, Lord, I would only hide You from me, not me from You." We should take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly. It not only takes away sin but also gives us greater reason not to sin.

Since the time of Pope St. John Paul II, this Sunday has been called "Divine Mercy Sunday." The feast highlights the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a great fruit of the Resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes it seems that the timing of this party is misplaced. Priests are tired of hearing confessions after Lent. People want to relax too. We should not fret about this. There is always reason to celebrate God's mercy in the sacrament. It lifts us from our mistakes. It moves us on the path to eternal life. There is always reason to celebrate God's mercy.