Short Homily – Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday 2025)

Theme: “Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Seen and Yet Believe”
Readings: Acts 4:32–35 | Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24 | 1 John 5:1–6 | John 20:19–31
Jubilee Year Focus: “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5)

🌅 Today we celebrate the beautiful feast of Divine Mercy, a gift from the heart of the Risen Jesus to the whole world.

It is mercy, not judgment, that pours out of the wounds of Christ.
Today, Jesus comes to us, just like He came to the fearful disciples, saying:
“Peace be with you.”

😊 If you’ve ever forgotten to say "sorry" to someone and still got a hug anyway—you have a tiny glimpse of Divine Mercy. Mercy means that even before we sort ourselves out, God has already sorted His love for us.

📖 In John 20:19–31, we meet two groups of people:

• The fearful disciples hiding behind locked doors.

• And Thomas, who struggles to believe without seeing.

Jesus does not scold them. Instead, He breathes peace upon them and invites Thomas to touch His wounds.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Divine Mercy is not a reward for the perfect—it is a gift for the wounded, the doubting, the afraid.

In Acts 4, we see what mercy looks like when it fills a community:

“They were of one heart and mind... and there was no needy person among them.”
Mercy moves from the heart into action.

Psalm 118 reminds us:

“His mercy endures forever!”
It’s not seasonal, not limited—it’s eternal.

✝️ The Eucharist is the banquet of mercy.

Here, Christ shows His wounds, feeds us with His Body, and strengthens us to be vessels of mercy in the world.

❓ Question for Reflection

Where in my life do I need to receive Divine Mercy?
Where am I being called to extend Divine Mercy to others?

🛠️ 

• Forgive someone who has hurt you—even if they haven't asked.

• Visit the sick, lonely, or brokenhearted and bring them hope.

• Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet today, especially for those who feel far from God.

💔 Maybe you feel like Thomas today—full of questions, doubts, fears.

Know this: Jesus does not reject your struggle.
He comes closer, invites you to touch His wounds, and says, “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
You are loved even in your doubt.

🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

• Be a living witness of mercy—kindness in action.

• Practice daily acts of mercy: feed the hungry, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses.

• Tell someone your story of encountering God's mercy.

🇿🇦 In South Africa, where wounds from the past still ache, the message of Divine Mercy is urgent.

We must be a people who choose healing over hatred, forgiveness over revenge.
Let mercy rebuild our communities, one act of love at a time.

💬 “Mercy is love that goes beyond justice and stoops to heal.”

🧭 As Pilgrims of Hope, we journey not because we are perfect, but because we are loved.

We carry the banner of mercy into a world that desperately needs it.

🙏 Merciful Jesus,

You come through locked doors and fearful hearts.
Breathe Your peace into me today.
Help me to receive Your mercy with joy,
and to extend it to everyone I meet.
Make me an ambassador of Divine Mercy
in this Jubilee Year and always.
Amen. Alleluia.