FROM FEAR TO MERCY: ENCOUNTERING THE RISEN CHRIST

Homily for Divine Mercy Sunday (Year A)

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Today, eight days after Easter, the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday, a day that reveals the very heart of God. The liturgical readings of this Divine Mercy lead us step by step into this mystery of mercy.

In the Gospel reading, the disciples are gathered behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear. They have seen the crucifixion. Their hopes seem shattered. Yet into that space of fear and failure, the Risen Christ enters and says: “Peace be with you.”

Notice this: Jesus does not rebuke them for abandoning Him. He does not remind Peter of his denial. Instead, He shows them His wounds. Mercy does not deny sin; it transforms it. The wounds remain, but they are now signs of love, not defeat.

Then Jesus breathes on them and says: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.” Here, mercy becomes a mission. The Church is entrusted with the ministry of forgiveness. Divine Mercy is not just something we receive; it is something we are called to extend.

A week later, Thomas enters the scene. He doubts, he questions, he struggles to believe. And yet, Jesus does not reject him. Instead, He invites him: “Put your finger here… do not be unbelieving, but believe.” This is the depth of divine mercy: God meets us even in our doubts. Thomas’ confession - “My Lord and my God!” - is not born out of perfection, but out of encounter. Mercy leads to faith.

The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles shows us the fruit of this encounter. The early Christians lived in unity, shared what they had, and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the breaking of the bread. Mercy creates communion. A Church that has truly encountered mercy becomes a community of love, generosity, and joy.

The second reading from the First Letter of Peter deepens this understanding: “By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Mercy is not just about the past - it is about new life, a new beginning, a living hope that does not fade.

What then is Divine Mercy? It is God’s love meeting human misery. It is forgiveness offered before we even deserve it. It is hope given when all seems lost. But Divine Mercy also demands a response. We are called: To trust in God’s mercy, even when we feel unworthy. To receive it, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To live it, by forgiving others and showing compassion.

Dear friend, many of us are like the disciples - locked behind doors of fear, guilt, or disappointment. Some of us are like Thomas - struggling with doubt. But today, Christ stands among us and says: “Peace be with you.” The question is: Will we allow Him to enter? Will we trust in His mercy?

As we celebrate this Eucharist, we encounter the same Jesus - wounded, risen, and full of mercy. May we, like Thomas, move from doubt to faith. May we, like the early Church, become instruments of mercy. And may we leave here not just forgiven, but transformed. 

Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.