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The Great Wave of God’s Mercy
Thomas the apostle is unfortunately stuck with an unflattering nickname ‘Doubting Thomas’, but
he speaks for us when he expresses his desire to probe his finger in the wounds of Jesus and see whether he is the one. There is nothing wrong with our inquisitiveness and probing questions. “Thousand questions do not amount to a doubt” (St. John Henry Newman). What matters is the conclusion that Thomas declares, namely, he confesses “My Lord and my God!” to the risen Christ. My hope is that everyone’s journey of faith may reach such a happy completion.
Such a happy completion was celebrated by the newly baptized and confirmed at Easter Vigil. This year’s Easter Vigil celebration was exceptionally meaningful with so many who received the Sacraments of Initiation. There was an overflowing joy and excitement. The music team was also outstanding and sublime all through the Holy Week celebrations. I am grateful to all those responsible for our wonderful celebrations: the instructors of RCIA, all those who cleaned and decorated the church inside and out, those who built the altar of repose, altar servers, the parish staff, and, of course, Fr. Jorge, Fr. Bob, and Deacon Nick. Everything went so swimmingly because everyone was so well prepared.
Today is also Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrating the merciful love of God shining through the whole Easter Triduum and the whole Easter mystery. At St. Faustina's canonization, Pope John Paul II said in his homily: "Jesus shows his hands and his side [to the Apostles]. He points, that is, to the wounds of the Passion, especially the wound in his heart, the source from which flows the great wave of mercy poured out on humanity."
The Lord does not leave us in the prison of our doubt and ignorance, but he always guides us like a beacon so that we may not go astray like stranded children. Even if we may traverse in the bitter valley of life, we are confident because the Lord in His mercy is ever near us and before us to guide and encourage us. Let us continue to celebrate God’s mercy, our new birth, our confidence, and our joy in this Easter season.
Again, Happy Easter, everyone!
Fr Paul D.Lee