Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy), April 12th, 2026

Delivered by Christine Gunawan from the Parish of Saint Joseph Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 2: 42-47; Rs psalm 118: 2-4.13-15.22-24; 1 Peter 1: 3-9; John 20: 19-31.UNITED ON THE BASIS OF GOD'S MERCY The theme for our meditation on the second Sunday ofEaster is: United on the Basis of God's Mercy. The resurrection of Jesus Christbrought new hope to the early Church. The disciples who were previouslyoverwhelmed with fear now experienced joy and courage. They were united infaith and love. Unity was not just human togetherness, but was born from theexperience of the risen Christ. The resurrected Jesus gathered the scattereddisciples, united them and made them witnesses of God's love for the world. The risen Jesus came to the disciples and breathed outthe Holy Spirit on them. It was the Holy Spirit who was the strength and thespirit of the Church's unity. Those who were previously hesitant and afraid werenow a courageous community. The Holy Spirit enabled them to accept one another,strengthen one another, and live in a spirit of brotherhood. Their unity wasnot because of the commonality of character, but because of the Spirit of Godwho lived in them. In the Holy Spirit, they found peace, courage, and a spiritof service. The wounds on Jesus' body became the profound signs forthe disciples' faith. When Thomas doubted Jesus' resurrection, Jesus did notreject or condemned him. Instead, He showed His wounds as evidence of His loveand sacrifice. From those wounds, Thomas found faith and cried out, "MyLord and my God." Jesus' wounds are the signs of God's mercy. Those woundsbecome the bridges that unite all believers, to signify that that Christ whosuffered, died, and rose is the source of salvation for all.  The unity of the early Church was born out of theexperience of God's never-ending love. They lived in togetherness, shared whatthey had, and took care for each other. The great love of God united them inone solid fellowship. They were aware that they were all brothers in Christ.That unity really comes from God's infinite love and mercy. In a community, there were two friends who had aserious argument that they distanced from each other. The community life forboth became cold and full of tension. But one day, one of them fell ill andneeded help. Without hesitation, the friend who involved in that dispute cameto visit and help. Their hearts were touched and they forgave each other. Thisis a sign that mercy is able to heal wounds and reunite. Thus, God's mercy works in the life of the believers.God's infinite love unites and strengthens the fellowship of His people. In therisen Christ, we are called to live in brotherhood and to strengthen oneanother. The Holy Spirit continues to animate the Church to be strong forever.United in the mercy of God, we become a sign of love and hope for the world. Letus pray. In the name of the Father ... O Almighty God, strengthen us in Yourmercy now and forever. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the HolySpirit... In the name of the Father ...