HOMILY FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C
Today, we continue to rejoice in the resurrection of Christ, celebrating the victory of life over death. The Gospel presents us with a powerful encounter between Jesus and His disciples, particularly Thomas, who struggled with doubt. Through this passage, we are invited to reflect on faith, mercy, and the peace that Christ offers.
1. The Gift of Peace and Mercy
When Jesus appeared to His disciples, His first words were: “Peace be with you.”
- This greeting was not just a formality—it was a profound gift. The disciples had abandoned Him during His Passion, yet Jesus did not return with anger or condemnation. Instead, He brought peace and forgiveness, commissioning them to extend this mercy to others. Receive the Holy Spirit, the sins you forgive are forgiven, the sins you retain are retained.
- This moment reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than our sins. No matter how lost we are or we may feel, Christ always welcomes us back with open arms. No matter how great our sins are, as long as we are repentant and approach the Sacrament of Penance, God will forgive us.
2. Thomas and the Challenge of Faith
Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas,” refused to believe in the resurrection without physical proof. Yet, when Jesus invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas made one of the most profound declarations of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus then spoke words that resonate deeply with us today: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
- Faith is not about seeing nor understanding completely—it is about trusting. If we were to see and understand completely, there will be need for faith.
- Many times, we seek signs or tangible proof before believing in God’s presence in our lives.
- But true faith is built on trusting in God’s promises, even when we cannot see the way forward.
3. We are called to be Instruments of Mercy
On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we are reminded that mercy is at the heart of the Christian life. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon His disciples, empowering them to forgive sins. This is a call for us to be agents of mercy—to forgive, to heal, and to bring peace to those around us.
In a world where doubt, fear, and division often take hold, as followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses of mercy, extending love and forgiveness to others just as Christ has done for us.
Dear brethren in Christ, let us then embrace the love, peace and mercy of Christ. Let us God to strengthen our faith, even in moments of doubt, and trust in the presence of God in our lives.
- May we have frequent recourse to the Sacrament of Confession to receive God’s mercy.
- May we, like Thomas, move from doubt to belief, proclaiming with confidence: “My Lord and my God!”
- And may we always be instruments of God’s mercy in the world.
A blessed Divine Mercy Sunday and week ahead!
Fr. Rolly Arjonillo
Stay updated: subscribe by email for free TO OUR NEW WEBSITE catholicsstrivingforholiness.org (PUT YOUR EMAIL IN THE SUBSCRIBE WIDGET).
If you need some resources regarding a particular topic, feel free to use the search WIDGET which has access to thousands of posts, categories and tags on Catholic spirituality.
Cordially inviting you as well to follow www.fb.com/Catholicsstrivingforholiness. and share our posts to help more people in their Christian faith and life.
Thanks and God bless you and your loved ones! Fr. Rolly Arjonillo.
