HOMILY OF 2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)

HOMILY OF 2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) — YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido

Acts 5:12-16, Rev. 1:9-13, 17-19, John 20:1-9

The visitations and presence of Jesus amongst his disciples after his resurrection were characterized by certain elements. First, amidst their fears, he reassured them, calmed them down and blessed them with his peace.

Twice in today’s gospel, Jesus greeted them: “Peace be with you.” Second, they were opportunities of blessings as Jesus bestowed gifts on them anew, empowering them for the mission entrusted to them in his commission. Today, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is in view, even as we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. He gave them the power to forgive sins, through the provision of the Holy Spirit, whom he breathed on them. They become ministers of God’s Mercy, so that just as they were being reconciled to Christ and his God and Father, following their failures at the Passion and Crucifixion, they may, as ministers of the resurrection and privileged dispensers of God’s Mercy, bring those who have gone astray back to God. Also, through Thomas’ doubt, we are brought into the blessings of the redeemed community of believers, who profess Jesus Christ as our “Lord and God.” We must fall prostrate before him daily, as we profess our faith in him and bring the good news of the resurrection to others as witnesses; witnesses who have seen and known God’s loving kindness in Christ Jesus and believe. These gifts are bestowed by the ONE who now lives forever, who holds the keys to God’s abundant grace and life, and through whom God draws us to himself. On Divine Mercy Sunday, let us resolve to key into the Divine Mercy Devotion and be part of a growing family of beneficiaries of God’s mercy and also dispensers of same to others.

Lord, fill us with your Spirit, heal and renew us, and unite us with you through faith and worship. Amen.

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