2nd Sunday of Easter (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

April 27, 2014
Liturgical readings
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 118
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31

"Peace be with you."

Rereading the gospel will reveal that Jesus said 'Peace be with you' three times. In school, when teachers want to say something important to their students, they usually repeat it many times. This logic of repetition is followed also by the evangelists. And in this gospel passage of John, the theme of peace is emphasize through repetition. John also links the theme of peace with the Holy Spirit, the sacrament of Reconciliation, and with faith in the risen Lord (referring to St. Thomas the Apostles' statement of faith). After Jesus' followers were disturbed by the reality of His death, Jesus now conquers their fear and discouragement with the appearance of His Presence - a peace which only He can give.

That event in biblical times is now memorialized every 2nd Sunday of Easter. St. John Paul II instituted it as "Divine Mercy Sunday". This new practice has its source in the devotion promoted by St. Faustina Kowalska - the devotion to Jesus as the Divine Mercy. Rereading carefully the liturgical readings for this Sunday, the theme of mercy is found not only in the gospel, but also in the very text of Psalm 118 and in 1 Peter 1:3-9. These readings reveal that "He who in His great mercy, gave us new birth...a birth to an imperishable inheritance. This inheritance kept for us in heaven, the Lord will guard well if we persevere until the end.

The journey of the Lord to Calvary, His crucifixion, death and resurrection from the dead, gives the meaning to every Christian's life. The mystery reveals a God who is merciful and who brings peace. God sent Jesus to tell the world that death is not the end of all human existence. It is His Word and Sacrament that continues to bring hope - a hope that makes daily life vibrant, with moral courage and hearts filled with a joy that never fades. He gives meaning to every human suffering. Every instance we seek God, He shall gift us with His boundless mercy and peace - new life that has its ultimate destiny in everlasting life with Him.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
"Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, he who in his great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter)