+ 11 April AD 2021+

Reflection for Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) – Year B

Powerfully Witnessing to the Resurrection through Solidarity, in Love, and with Mercy

The good news of the resurrection of Christ becomes effective only when we ourselves live as a resurrected people. We cannot expect others to believe our salvation story if we ourselves do not look like a people who are saved. The good news of Easter must first resonate in our own lives and find expression in our families and communities if it must make any deep impression in the lives of others. As we continue to bask in the euphoria of the resurrection, today’s readings invite us to reflect on the concrete implications of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives, our community, our parish, and in our world. 

In the First reading, the early Christians powerfully witnessed to the resurrection of Jesus not by performing some mighty deeds such as raising the dead, but by simply living in “one mind and heart...having everything in common…and distributing to each according to their needs.” Isn’t it amazing that the author of Acts describes this as a powerful witness to the resurrection? There is power in genuine solidarity. Great power exudes when the community of believers are united in mind and heart. Our preaching about the resurrection cannot be effective when we remain in our little enclaves and cocoons. In fact, we risk losing a lot, including the spirit and peace of Christ when we, as Christians, choose to isolate ourselves from the community. And like Thomas in today’s gospel, who having missed the opportunity of receiving the spirit and peace of Christ at his first post-resurrection appearance to the group, questioned everything, including the identity of Christ himself, isolation from community can bring doubt and fear. Thankfully, the merciful Lord did not abandon Thomas to his fate. As the good shepherd who is willing to leave the ninety-nine sheep in search of one, our Lord Jesus came back to reinstate the faith of Thomas, inspiring in him one of the most profound professions of faith in the New Testament: My Lord and my God.  

Christ’s approach to Thomas’ doubt is a powerful message for all Christians. When we find a member of our community questioning and doubting the faith, we must not abandon him/her to his/her fate; we must like Christ, do everything within our power to help him/her. And this must be done in love. In the Second Reading we learn that the love of God must be at the heart of our Christian witnessing. Therefore, genuine solidarity and unity among believers must be animated by genuine love of God and in accordance with God’s commandment. If your love for your brothers and sisters is inspired by selfish motive or predicated on some material benefits, it is impure. Again, if your love for your brother or sister is one that makes it difficult for you to keep God’s commandment it must be reevaluated. 

For the times we have failed to love and live in genuine solidarity as Christians, we must not despair but cling to the mercy of God. In the Gospel, Christ offers us the gift of God’s mercy. As we celebrate today the feast of Divine Mercy, it is indeed a special opportunity to reflect on the ways in which we can become powerful witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus by following the ABCs of Divine Mercy: Ask for God’s mercy, Be merciful ourselves, and Completely trust in God’s mercy. May the mercy of God continue to be upon us and the whole world, as we place our trust in Him. Amen.

    Fr. Lazarus Onuh