Divine Mercy

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. I am thinking of the mercy that Jesus showed to Thomas. When I read the gospel I had a sense that Jesus had really finished his visits but that his concern for Thomas who was pained that he had missed the visit. Thomas was unable to take the word of the others, but something in me felt he was also hurt that Jesus had come when he was absent. But the merciful Jesus would not let Thomas remain in his pain. He came just for Thomas.

Often I am like Thomas. I want evidence--concrete and empirical that God loves me. I am always challenging God to "show me." Jesus' love for Thomas was so overwhelming. I wonder if his asking Thomas to explore his wounds was to be sure that Thomas was aware of his love or if he wanted to Thomas to recognize his own tendency to doubt unless he had even tactile evidence. I want to think that it was Jesus' mercy that desired Thomas' touch and closeness.

Then there are the locked doors that resemble our locked hearts and locked vision. Locks are important when we are afraid. Today, I want to ask Jesus to invade my fearful locked heart and allow me to feel his immense love for me. I want to receive the spirit breathed on me freeing me from all my fears.