Peace, Mercy, and Faith.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We are still in the joy of Easter — the celebration does not end in one day. The Church gives us fifty days to rejoice because the Resurrection changes everything.

Today’s Gospel takes us into a room where the disciples are gathered — but not in joy.

1. From Fear to Peace

The Gospel begins with the disciples locked in a room, afraid.

They had seen Jesus die. Their hopes seemed lost. Fear had taken over.

Then suddenly, Jesus appears and says:

“Peace be with you.”

This is the first gift of the Risen Christ: peace.

Not the absence of problems, but the presence of Christ.

👉 No matter what we are going through, Jesus comes to us and says:
“Peace be with you.”

2. The Gift of Mercy

Jesus shows them His wounds — the marks of His suffering.

Then He breathes on them and says:

“Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”

This is the gift of Divine Mercy.

The Resurrection is not only victory over death —
it is the opening of the door to forgiveness.

👉 No sin is too great for God’s mercy.

3. Thomas and Doubt

Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared. When he hears the news, he says:

“Unless I see… I will not believe.”

A week later, Jesus comes again — this time for Thomas.

He invites him:

• to see
• to touch
• to believe

Thomas responds with one of the most powerful confessions of faith:

“My Lord and my God!”

4. Faith Without Seeing

Jesus then says:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

That is us.

We have not seen Jesus physically, yet we are called to believe:

• through Scripture
• through the Church
• through the sacraments

Faith is trust in what we cannot see, but know to be true.

5. Living as Easter People

This Sunday teaches us three things:

Peace

Let Christ calm our fears.

Mercy

Receive God’s forgiveness and extend it to others.

Faith

Trust even when we do not fully understand.

Conclusion

Dear friends,

The Risen Christ stands among us today and says:

• Peace be with you
• Do not be afraid
• Believe

Like Thomas, may we proclaim with our lives:

“My Lord and my God!”

And may we become witnesses of His mercy to the world.