“A week later, the disciples were once more in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came.” —John 20:26

Divine Mercy Chaplet Sung By Kayser Swidan

The image of the Jesus’ Divine Mercy that I have hanging in my fireplace room appears to be the moment that is depicted in this Gospel scene. The Apostles are hiding out in the upper room one week after the resurrection of Jesus. They are afraid that they are next on the chopping block so to speak. Some have seen the risen Lord, some have not. Thomas was one of them who had not seen Jesus, and who would not believe the stories that others has seen Jesus risen unless he saw Jesus, himself, in the flesh.

The first words out of Jesus’ mouth when he appeared to the Apostles in that upper room (walking right through a locked door) was “Peace Be With You.” On this Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2024, there is much happening in this world to NOT have peace about. But Jesus is saying the exact same words to us right now in this moment, “Peace be with You.” There are many among us who are like Thomas, who don’t believe in Jesus, {perhaps the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist] and won’t believe unless they see Jesus with their own eyes in some absolutely unmistakable way.

God calls us to so much more. He has so much more in store for us. A future that is good, and full of peace, joy, abundant living and mercy for those who repent, believe and receive Jesus’ love. The love we are made for and the love He so fervently wants to give us. Below is a reflection from one of my favorite sources of encouragement, Presentation Ministries.

Today are called to renew the face of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit (see Ps 104:30). However, they must first be transformed from having little faith to having strong faith.

We have a Church full of fearful disciples. These Christians acknowledge that Jesus is risen. However, because these disciples are locked in fear (see Jn 20:19), the doubting Thomases of the Church find it difficult to believe the fearful disciples. Fear feeds doubt, and doubt makes us more susceptible to fear, which makes our doubts worse, trapping us in greater fears and uncertainties.

Jesus broke this most vicious cycle by personally challenging Thomas’ doubts and leading Him to faith. When Thomas cried out: “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20:28), he prepared the way for the reception of the Holy Spirit by Jesus’ disciples at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is not a spirit of fear but of faith (see 2 Tm 1:7). Thus, after fully receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jesus’ disciples were fearless in leading others to faith, fearlessness, and greater faith. Fearlessness feeds faith.

Because you are alive, you are either in a cycle of fear and doubt or a cycle of fearlessness and faith. On this last day of the octave of Easter, come to the risen Jesus. He will put you in the cycle leading to eternal life.

Prayer:  Father, in Your mercy, challenge me to repent.

Promise:  “Who, then, is conqueror of the world? The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” —1 Jn 5:5

Praise:  Praise be to You, Lord God! You are “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). Alleluia!