My Lord and My God: Finding Mercy in the Risen Christ

Today, on this Second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday—a feast that reminds us of God’s infinite love and mercy for each of us. It’s a day when we are invited to trust more deeply in the Lord’s forgiveness, to recognize His presence in our lives, and to proclaim, like Thomas, “My Lord and my God!”

Have you ever locked yourself in—emotionally or spiritually—out of fear, regret, or failure?

If so, today’s Gospel is for you.

We find the disciples gathered in the upper room, hiding behind locked doors. They are paralyzed by fear—fear of the authorities, fear of the unknown, and perhaps even fear of their own failure to stand by Jesus during His Passion.

And then, suddenly, Jesus is there. No anger, no blame. Only these words:

“Peace be with you.”

He shows them His wounds—not as scars of defeat, but as marks of love and victory. The wounds that once symbolized death now proclaim resurrection and mercy.

In the same way, Jesus enters our locked rooms today. He comes through the closed doors of our fear, shame, and self-doubt—not to scold us, but to breathe peace into us.

But not everyone was present that first evening. Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas,” missed it. He refused to believe unless he could see and touch the wounds for himself.

Maybe Thomas isn’t so different from us.

Faith can be hard. Especially when life hurts—when we suffer loss, disappointment, or loneliness.

Yet Jesus, rich in mercy, meets Thomas exactly where he is. He doesn’t dismiss his doubts. He invites him: “Put your finger here… and believe.”

And Thomas gives one of the most powerful confessions of faith in all of Scripture:

“My Lord and my God!”

Jesus then blesses all those who would come after—the ones who believe without seeing. That’s us. Our imperfect faith is still a precious gift that leads to eternal life.

Today’s Scriptures show us what Divine Mercy looks like in motion.

• In the Book of Acts, the early Church moves out into the streets, bringing healing and hope.

• In Revelation, John falls before the glorious Christ who reassures him: “Do not be afraid.”

• In the Gospel, Jesus gives His apostles the authority to forgive sins—a gift we still experience today in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

God’s mercy isn’t just a feeling. It’s a movement.

A movement from fear to freedom, from hiding to healing, from doubt to declaration.

This Divine Mercy Sunday invites us to reflect:

• Let Jesus into our locked rooms. Where are we hiding? What fears need His peace?

• Be merciful to others. Who in our lives needs forgiveness, patience, or a second chance?

• Trust in God’s mercy. No matter our past mistakes, God’s love is deeper still. He offers us a new beginning—again and again.

In his final Easter blessing, Pope Francis reminded the world:

“Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge.”

This is the heart of Easter.

This is the power of Divine Mercy.

And so, like Thomas, may we each look upon the Risen Christ today and proclaim with all our hearts:

“My Lord and my God.”

Friends,  If this reflection spoke to your heart, consider sharing it with someone who could use a gentle reminder of God’s mercy today.

You never know which locked door your encouragement might unlock.