Easter, Divine Mercy (2nd Sunday) The world has moved on from Easter, but we Christians are staying close to the empty tomb. Today the Resurrection teaches us about God's mercy. Our English word comes from a price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise. It is a generous gift of God, like the ransoming of a captive. The Greek word is eleos (as in Kyrie, eleison). It means pity or compassion. The Hebrew word is khesed and it means God's covenant faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. The Latin word is misericordia and it comes from two words, misery and heart.

The very heart of mercy is the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When we suffer, God suffers. As a visible sign of God's invisible suffering we see that the risen Jesus is carrying wounds in his feet, hands, and side. He responds to our rejection, not by rejecting us, but rather by reaching out with compassion and mercy.

Jesus has mercy on Thomas by giving him proof of the Resurrection. Jesus has compassion on us by giving us the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus meets us in Confession, shines light on our misery, and gives us the grace to never sin again. Mercy is Jesus sharing his heart with us. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!

(16 Apr 2023)

Going Deeper: Why does Jesus still bear wounds even after his Resurrection? Meditate on this question and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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