Second Sunday of Easter

The Gospel for this Sunday (John 20:19–31) draws us into the quiet, locked room where fear and uncertainty still grip the disciples. Into that space, the risen Jesus steps and speaks words that change everything: “Peace be with you.” This is not a fragile peace that can be broken by hardship, but it is a deep, unshakable peace, and healing wholeness born from His victory over death.
Thomas’ absence at the first encounter leaves him wrestling with doubt. His doubt is not a sign of weakness, but a deeply human response to pain and loss. Yet when Jesus returns, He does not condemn Thomas for questioning. Instead, He invites him to touch His wounds—wounds that speak of love stronger than fear, stronger than sin, stronger than death. In that moment, Thomas’ doubt is transformed into one of the most profound declarations of faith: “My Lord and my God!” This journey of Thomas from doubt to faith mirrors our own and reminds us that God’s mercy is patient, personal, and persistent.
The Second Sunday of Easter is also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, and on this Divine Mercy Sunday, we are called to trust in that mercy that is not distant or conditional—it meets us exactly where we are. It is patient enough to wait for our hearts to open, and powerful enough to heal our deepest wounds. And the same Spirit Jesus breathed on the disciples is breathed into us, and sending all of us into the world as bearers of forgiveness, hope and love—a mission that continues in the Church until today. Mercy is not just something we receive, but it is something we are called to extend, especially to those who, like Thomas, are searching for hope and love.
Therefore, we can continue our reflection with this question: what should we do to have a strong faith to overcome our fear and doubt so that we can carry Jesus’ light into every darkness?
Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ