Rev. Fr. Emmanuel ADEBISI

Today, the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday—a day that draws us deeply into the mystery of God’s unfailing love and mercy. All readings of today point to the fact that God’s mercy is real, transformative, and meant to be shared.

In the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we encounter a beautiful portrait of the early Christian community. They were united in faith, devoted to the teaching of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. They shared their possessions, cared for one another, and lived with sincerity of heart. As a result, “the Lord added to their number daily.”

This is not just a historical description; it is a challenge to us today. In our own context here in Nigeria—where individualism, economic hardship, and social divisions can easily pull people apart—we are called to rediscover this spirit of communion. Divine Mercy is not something we receive and keep; it is something we experience and extend. A merciful heart builds a united community.

In the Second Reading, Saint Peter speaks of a “living hope” through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He acknowledges that we may face trials, but these trials purify our faith, making it stronger and more authentic. This is very relevant for us. Many Nigerians today endure hardships—economic pressures, insecurity, family struggles. Yet, our faith teaches us that suffering is not meaningless. When united with Christ, it becomes a path to glory. Our hope is not dead; it is alive because Christ is risen.

 In the Gospel, we meet the disciples locked in a room, paralyzed by fear. Into that fear, Jesus enters and says, “Peace be with you.” Notice that He does not rebuke them for their weakness. Instead, He brings peace, shows them His wounds, and breathes on them the Holy Spirit.

This is the heart of Divine Mercy: Jesus meets us where we are—in our fear, doubt, and sin—and offers us peace.

We also encounter Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” But Thomas represents many of us. We want proof. We struggle with faith, especially when life is difficult. Yet, Jesus does not reject Thomas. Instead, He invites him: “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” And Thomas responds with one of the most profound confessions of faith: “My Lord and my God!”

It is of great pertinence that we know that doubt is not the opposite of faith—it can be a doorway to deeper faith if we bring it to Christ. The problem is not doubting; the problem is refusing to seek the Lord in our doubt.

Jesus then says something very important: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” That blessing is for us. We have not seen Jesus physically, but we encounter Him in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, and in acts of mercy.

Finally, Jesus gives the apostles the power to forgive sins: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.” This is the foundation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Divine Mercy is not abstract—it is concretely available to us, especially in confession. How often do we take advantage of this great gift?

Let us then never lose touch with God, whose mercy is inexhaustible and His grace ever-present. With the Psalmist, let us never cease to give thanks to the Lord, knowing that He is good and His mercy endures forever.