Divine Mercy Sunday
Acts 4:32-35
1 Jn 5:1-6
Jn 20:19-31
…whoever loves the Father that begot him loves the child whom he begets…
I must confess to being fascinated by revenge movies, particularly Korean ones. I am not the only person with this secret pleasure; the streaming services seem to have a collection of these ‘revenge stories’. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the bad guys get their come-uppance and the heroes take their well-deserved (winning) places… on top!
In the Jewish tradition, various passages in the Hebrew Bible prophesied the coming of a victorious Messiah. This Messiah was expected to arrive in fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel, including the restoration of Israel and the defeat of Israel’s enemies.
When Jesus started His ministry, the Israelites viewed Him with this in mind; they expected Him to be militarily and politically influential. The nation had expected Him to be able to liberate the Jewish nation from the Romans’ control. When they realised that our Lord did not fit their idea of what being a Messiah meant, they turned on Him.
Upon His resurrection (which demonstrated that our Lord was indeed our Messiah), it would have been understandable if He were to return with a vengeance. Jesus could call upon Peter to account for his betrayal (thrice!), His disciples for failing to stay awake with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, or Thomas for not having enough faith to believe that Jesus had resurrected.
What happened was the opposite.
Thomas was not called to account for his lack of belief. Our Lord, instead, used this as a teaching moment about the power of faith. Peter was not held to account for his denial and rejection of Jesus. Our Lord used Peter’s rejection experience to help Peter deepen his faith and his commitment to growing the new church community.
What divine mercy our Lord demonstrated! The New Testament reveals that this was Jesus’ way of life; He was always kind to those around Him.
It is opportune that we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday today. Let us take the time to learn from our Lord how to be with people around us, in our families and our communities. The Divine Mercy always reminds us we can depend on and trust in Jesus’ endless goodness, love and mercy.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Paul Wee)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us treat others with love, generosity, and gentleness. Teach us to always turn to You for wisdom and strength.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Jesus, for Your everlasting goodness and love. Thank You for being an example for us.
OXYGEN 
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