April 23, 2017
In the Gospel today, Jesus repeatedly says the same words. When the disciples were gathered in fear and Jesus stood in their midst He said to them: “Peace be with you”. He showed them his hands and his side and the disciples rejoiced to see the Lord. Then Jesus said again “Peace be with you”. And again, when Thomas doubts the resurrection, Jesus lets himself be touched by Thomas and repeats “Peace be with you.” By repeating “Peace be with you” three times Jesus shows a special purpose: 1) Jesus is assuring them that they are forgiven for not living up to their promises to be with him. 2) Jesus is re-assuring them that he is still their friend, in spite of the denials and cowardly actions during his suffering. 3) To emphasize this after making peace with them, Jesus breathes his Spirit on them and makes them messengers of forgiveness to others. As recipients of mercy and compassion, they must now be instruments of the Risen Jesus’ mercy and compassion. 4) And since it is the first gift of Jesus after his resurrection, it indicates that peace and mercy be given priority in the relationship among his followers. On this Sunday of Divine Mercy, Jesus is telling us: Just as you are forgiven of your sins out of God’s mercy and compassion, so you also should be merciful and forgiving of the sins of others. Being able to forgive is the real test of love. Jesus is empowering us to forgive by breathing his Holy Spirit on us and saying “You should be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful.”
Fr. Jun de Ocampo, SVD