1st Reading: Acts 5:12-16

This first reading describes the high regard in which the apostles were held by the ordinary people of Jerusalem, and the many cures they worked on behalf of those sick in body or in spirit.

Responsorial Psalm: 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Give Praise to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures forever.

2nd Reading: Rev 1:9-13, 17-19

On the island of Patmos John speaks for the risen Christ who lives on among the communities of believers. He writes an encouraging message for the churches of his locality.

Gospel: Jn 20: 19-31

By seeing and touching the wounds of their risen Lord, the apostles, and especially Thomas the doubter, are cured of their unbelief, to call out "My Lord and my God!"

Reflection

Today we reflect on the mercy of God. The disciples had disappointed him; they had betrayed and denied him but he doesn’t give up on them. He visits them after the resurrection to assure them of his divine mercy and then commissions them as ambassadors of his divine mercy. How ashamed the apostles might have felt upon seeing their master. Had he come to accuse them or punish them for their failure to declare themselves boldly as his disciples? Certainly not. It was a visit of Divine Mercy and assurance of unconditional love. Our attitude should be one of total trust in Jesus’ Divine Mercy.  Today God has thrown a party during which we can receive God’s infinite mercy. Let us go to the party and receive God’s mercy.