April 27th, 2025: Second Easter Sunday Homily
Peace, Mercy, and the Wounds of Love
(John 20:19-31 – Divine Mercy Sunday)
On the evening of Easter Sunday, the disciples are locked away – afraid, confused, uncertain about what comes next. They have heard the news that Jesus is alive, but it hasn’t yet sunk in. Maybe they doubt. Maybe they feel unworthy after abandoning Him. …. And then Jesus appears.
His first words are simple and powerful:
“Peace be with you.”
Not scolding. Not blame. Not even questions. Just peace.
And then, something even more surprising:
Jesus shows them His wounds. He doesn’t hide the scars from the cross-He leads with them.
WHY? Because in those wounds is the proof of His love, and also the source of His mercy. The wounds say: “I know your fear. I know your failure. And I still choose you.”
This is the heart of Divine Mercy Sunday-God meeting us not with judgement, but with mercy. Mercy that forgives our sins, heals our hearts, and invites us to begin again.
Then Jesus breathes on them and says: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven.” In other words: Now that you’ve received mercy, go and share it. The Church was born not in power or might, / but in mercy.
And then we meet Thomas-sometimes unfairly called “the doubter.” But maybe Thomas represents us best. He’s honest about his questions. He wants to believe, but he needs to see.
And when Jesus comes again, He doesn’t reject Thomas. He offers His wounds again-an invitation: Come close, touch, believe. And Thomas responds with one of the most beautiful declarations in the Gospel: “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus then speaks to us across time: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.” That’s us my brothers and sisters. You / and / me.
So, what can we take from today?
- Jesus meets us in our fear-with peace.
- He shows us His wounds – not to shame us, but to remind us of how deeply He loves.
- He gives us mercy – and calls us to be people who forgives.
- Even our doubts don’t push Him away – He invites us to come closer and believe.
Today on Divine Mercy Sunday, let us open our hearts to that mercy.
If you’ve been carrying guilt, fear, or shame – bring it to Jesus. He’s not here to condemn, but to heal. And let’s pray: “Jesus, I trust in You.”
Divine Mercy Sunday is about hope, forgiveness, and trusting in God’s love.
It’s a reminder that no matter what we’ve may have done, God is always ready to forgive us if we come to Him with an open heart.
Because / trusting in His mercy is the beginning of peace.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray
Jesus, You come to us in our fear and speak peace. / You show us Your wounds, not to shame us, / but to remind us of how deeply You love us. / Thank You for Your mercy that never runs out. / Help us to trust in You, / even when we have doubts. / And teach us to be people of peace and forgiveness – / sharing with others the mercy we have received. / Jesus, / we trust in You.
AMEN.