Walking with Jesus: Second Sunday of Easter — Sunday of Divine Mercy A

For Sunday, April 12, 2026

Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31


What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to profess our faith in the Church? If we’ve reflected on this during our Lenten experience leading up to Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection, we acknowledge that we can’t be passive. God sent His Son Jesus to tell us we are loved and that we are needed to live a life of love, whether or not we belong to a church or have any religious affiliation. Living a life concerned with me hurts others and is non-productive in relationships and living with others.

How do I discover and learn about this God? The Apostles went through all of this during their time with Jesus and we hear of their experiences in today’s readings. Most of us are like Thomas, who looked for some tangible evidence of the Resurrection and what it was all about. We might not be as straightforward as he was, but we are frequently no less adamant. “Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’ Thomas answered and said to Him, My Lord and my God!” [John 20: 27-28] I often think on this encounter: Would I have put my finger or hand in the wounds, or was seeing and hearing enough? It didn’t matter to Jesus; the invitation was there — an invitation to feel and touch, to be loved — as Jesus does to each of us. So we reflect on the readings.

The Acts of the Apostles shows that the Christian community was growing as a result of the teaching of the Apostles, as it has continued to grow down through the ages. That’s how we heard and believed. Many in this growing community were not eyewitnesses — we are the ones called through the teaching of others — family, friends, church members, teachers. Like the original followers we will never fathom the depths of the mystery. Saint Peter invites all of us to stand beside Thomas professing our humble prayer: “My Lord and My God.” Also, like the participants in the first reading, we have progressed in our faith journey by listening and allowing ourselves to be taught, being witnesses to the community of believers and those who have touched us in love and the Eucharist that they called the “breaking of bread” and prayer.

Peter is writing to various Christian communities scattered throughout Asia Minor. He observes how they have suffered various trials along with rejection, mockery and persecution. He explains that these trials have made them stronger and resolved their doubts in their growing faith journey, thereby making them more authentic and real to others in living their faith. We can see that our own lives have progressed in the same way when we look at the people who have touched us in love and consider how these encounters have cemented the fact that we are loved — and shown us, through this love, God’s love. Love is love, love is eternal: Love is God.

Thomas is the connector of two Resurrection appearances: He is absent for the first and the focal point in the second. Interestingly, in both accounts the doors are securely locked “for fear of the Jews.” In my Holy Land tours I’ve discovered that the upper room was “just around the corner” from David’s tomb, which I’m sure was a special “shrine” for the Jews. And since the Romans and thus the Jews might have been worried about a “revolution” by Jesus’ followers, security was at its height — so many soldiers and temple guards would have been on high alert. Also, both accounts happen on the first day of the week and Jesus addresses the disciples with a greeting of peace and calls attention to His wounds. All of these elements carry theological significance: The “first day” is the actual day of the Resurrection. Previously the conclusion of the week had religious meaning (Sabbath); now the first day is the focus for so many religions and churches. The closed or locked doors not only signify their worry and fear but also underscore the mysterious character of Jesus’ risen body, which is not obstructed by doors and locks. The gesture of peace was a common greeting of the day — an eschatological blessing of health, prosperity and all good things. And Jesus’ calling attention to His wounds shows the disciples and us that He really is the crucified One, now risen. And His resurrection is a sign and promise of our resurrection into heaven if we believe; follow the commandments, especially Jesus’ love commandments; and live love. So I reflect: How am I doing? And, how are you doing?  

So I reflect on:

• The Acts of the Apostles paints a picture of a community that cares for each other and the poor even to the point of selling all their property so the needs of others are met. How am I doing in caring for the hurting? Am I too selfish, looking after me?
• The phrase, “His mercy endures forever,” has been a personal theme throughout my life. Am I carrying that mercy to others in my life? How difficult is that? Do I ask for God’s help?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“Poor Thomas is in the firing line again and no doubt in retrospect would feel very badly about how he performed. Perhaps we should pray a prayer of thanks to him, because he’s a constant inspiration. He’s not exactly a shining light when it comes to believing quickly that Jesus has risen. At every turn he doubts. He’s almost the patron saint of skeptics. Perhaps in our less trusting moments, he will come to our aid too.”