First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Reflection:
This passage from the Acts of the Apostles tells us about the practices of the early Christians at the very beginning of the Church. Amazingly, we see the continuity between our practice of the Mass today and early Christian worship. The Christians in Acts were committed to four key elements of the faith: “the teachings of the apostles,” “the communal life,” “the breaking of bread,” and “the prayers.” In the same way, at Mass we hear the teachings of the Apostles through the Scripture readings, we gather together as a community and fellowship, we break bread in the Eucharist, and we offer prayers. This passage also evidences the strong bond between early Christians. They would take care of one another’s material needs, and they would meet together everyday. These early Christian gatherings would take place in the temple (the center of Jewish worship) and private homes around Jerusalem, since there were no church buildings yet. As a result of their faithfulness and the working of the Holy Spirit through them, the early Christian community grew rapidly, seeing daily conversions, as “every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Our faithfulness to the four elements articulated here, amongst other aspects of the Christian faith, along with the working of the Holy Spirit, can also result in many others being attracted and converted to Christ.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Reflection:
This passage from the First Letter of St. Peter is fitting for this Sunday’s feast of Divine Mercy, instituted by St. Pope John Paul II, for it speaks of God’s “great mercy” toward us and our call to be saints. The passage explains that Christians have experienced “a new birth,” which is a reference to the new life we are given in baptism. Through Jesus’ resurrection, which we are now celebrating in this Easter season, He conquered sin and death, offering us new life in Him. The goal of this new life is heaven, which we “hope” for as “an inheritance” through “faith.” As Christians, we are on a pilgrimage of faith throughout our lives, with the final destination being heaven. On this pilgrimage, we will “suffer through various trials,” but God will give us the grace to endure them, if we are willing to receive His grace. In fact, this passage indicates that “the genuineness of [our] faith” is tested through these trials. If we persevere in our faith, we have the great hope of spending all of eternity in heaven. St. Peter summarizes this succinctly: “the goal of [our] faith [is] the salvation of [our] souls.” This, in fact, is the entire purpose of the Christian life–to become saints. Sainthood is not merely a call for the few. All are called to be saints through God’s grace. Our responsibility is to say ‘yes’ to that grace offered to us. Through saying ‘yes’ to Divine Mercy, we can “rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.”
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31
Reflection:
This account of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus is packed with meaning. Like the first reading, this passage has parallels with the Mass. First, both appearances occurred on the “first day of the week,” which is Sunday, the day we still worship together today. Second, the Lord is present with his followers, speaking to them His Word (like in the Liturgy of the Word), offering them peace (like in the Sign of Peace), and showing them His crucified and risen body (like in the Liturgy of the Eucharist). The Apostles’ response is worship, as should ours be at the Mass. For doubting Thomas, he needed to see the risen Lord in order to believe it. Yet, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” As Christians, we must “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). The risen Lord is fully present with us in the Mass through the Eucharist, but it takes the eyes of faith to be able to see Him there. Additionally, this passage includes the institution of the Sacrament of Confession, for Jesus gives the Apostles the authority to forgive and retain sins, an authority that they have passed down from Jesus through the centuries to bishops and priests of our day. In light of Divine Mercy Sunday, let us thank God for the incredible gift of His mercy offered to us, especially in the Sacrament of Confession. Let us also remember that Jesus speaks the same words to us today that He said three times to the Apostles in this reading: “Peace be with you.” Especially every time we hear those words in the Mass, let us remember that Jesus offers us His peace, which “surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7), and pierces through even the most difficult of circumstances.
Application:
- In the First Reading we hear that the early Christians gathered together daily and devoted themselves to “the teachings of the apostles,” “the communal life,” “the breaking of bread,” and “the prayers.” How can you better devote yourself to these practices? For example, how can you grow in your understanding of the teachings of our faith; how can you foster fellowship with other believers; how can you develop devotion to the Eucharist and the other sacraments; and how can you pursue a deeper prayer life?
- The Second Reading reminds us that in this life we will “suffer through various trials,” but we can still “rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.” During this Easter season, reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus and attaining our own resurrection to new life in heaven in order to help put any current sufferings in perspective and to help you find joy in the midst of trials.
- In the Gospel Reading, Jesus said to the Apostles three times, “Peace be with you.” He speaks those words to us today also. His peace transcends circumstances, so even in the midst of serious challenges, we can still find peace. How have you experienced Christ’s peace during difficult times? How have you sought out and embraced the peace Christ offers you?