Second Sunday of Easter
Also Read: Mass Readings for 27 April 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 27 April 2025
His Mercy Endures Forever
This Psalm is an obvious choice for Divine Mercy Sunday because of the exclamation of God’s mercy. What is worth reflecting on further is that it endures forever. While this may not surprise someone who already knows Jesus, imagine someone from the Old Testament. Maybe you are someone who remembers the many years of slavery in Egypt, maybe you remember the many years of wandering in the desert, maybe you remember the many years of division before a king, maybe you remember the years of conflict between Solomon’s sons, maybe you remember the years of exile in Babylon. Not only did these many experiences test ones hope in Gods unending mercy, but they were the response to Israel’s testing of God’s mercy. The reason why this reading, along with today’s Gospel, is perfect for Divine Mercy Sunday is because of the necessary connection mercy has to faith.
Blessed Are Those Who Believe
Today’s Gospel includes the famous inspiration for the “Doubting Thomas” nickname because of Thomas’s unwillingness to believe what he doesn’t see when the other Apostles tell him about the Resurrection. The Risen Christ is the agent of mercy to humanity and to receive this mercy requires faith in things not yet seen. Just as the Israelites needed faith for the mercy not yet seen during their own difficult moments, Thomas needed faith for the mercy that Jesus offers. Let us remember this need for faith in receiving God’s mercy in our own lives, even if it is not yet seen, because it endures forever.
