1st Reading Acts 5:12–16
Resp. Psalm Ps. 118.
2nd Reading Rev. 1:9-11a,12-13,17-19
Gospel Jn. 20:19–31
Dear friends, today is the Second Sunday of Easter and, as it has been since the year 2000, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. The Divine Mercy is a gift of God to humanity given in an apparition by Jesus to Sr. Fasting Kowalska. In the words of Jesus to Sr. Faustina, "humanity will not find PEACE until it turns trustful to DIVINE MERCY".
The Word of God turns our attention towards the PEACE that God gives. Infact, in the Gospel Jesus tells the disciples, "PEACE be with you" (Jn. 20:19).
In the first reading, we hear that the apostles, granted the power by God, performed many signs and wonders among the people, especially in the temple area of Solomon's Portico. We know Solomon to be the wisest and wealthiest king that ever lived. He is the son of David and successor of his throne. His name comes from the Hebrew word SHELOMOH. This means Peace. Outrightly, we can deduce the usual and most occurring Jewish greeting SHALOM which also means Peace from Solomon's name.
As part of his building projects, he built a portico or a stoa. A portico is a porch. It is a space with roof where people can stand or walk protected from weather and the heat of the Sun. This is a place where life-negating factors are reduced or, at length, taken out. One lives in PEACE. No scorching sun, no bad weather. All that is experienced is the presence of life-promoting factors.
Peace can only be talked about where there is the presence of God. Without it, those signs and wonders will not take place and grant the people freedom from their pains and discomforts. The portico of Solomon gives much indication of the presence of a God who stands in solidarity with human suffering and gives peace.
We read three times in today's Gospel that Jesus offered peace in a time when the apostles were being sought after (cf. Jn. 20: 19, 21, 26). This is a time when fear has been heightened. The authorities were seeking the followers of Christ to deal with them for proclaiming Christ risen from the dead. The Lord appears and grants peace (ειρηνη -eirēnē) amidst fear (τον φόβον - ton phobov).
Even when the doors were locked, probably from the inside, Jesus breaks through and grants what is needed at a crucial time; PEACE. This peace has been promised them way before Christ's death (cf. John 14: 27). This indicates that a glorified body is not bound by the laws of ordinary matter. Peace is not serenity, neither is it quietism. It is now harmony, Christ's presence. Where Christ is, there is peace.
May God grant us peace amidst the fears, tribulations, and troubles of life. Lord, give us Peace and make us the Instruments of your Peace on earth
HAPPY DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
Pax et Bonum
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