Sermon – April 12, 2026 – Second Sunday of Easter, Year A (Mercy Sunday)

My dear brothers and sisters, we are still celebrating Easter today. It is such a great feast that it is celebrated in the Church for eight days.

We know that after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people to confirm that he had truly risen. Jesus had taught that he would rise again; however, people didn't fully understand what that meant. So, to strengthen people's faith, he wanted to appear and show them what the resurrection was.

Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven. Fifty days after the resurrection, at Pentecost, he sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles. Jesus never wanted to leave us alone. He ascends to heaven, but he does not leave us alone with the Holy Spirit; rather, he remains with us through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit guides us to unity. God brings us together in unity. We are one Church, united by the same faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a family, we must always strive to be together.

“All who believe have one heart and one soul.” The Church is united by the Holy Spirit in the same faith, the same teaching, the same love, and the same hope. Those who work to divide the Church serve the work of Satan, for Satan desires division; he desires lies and gossip. Satan wants to destroy God’s creation. Being united is one of the signs that we are good Christians.

It is always important to speak of the Holy Spirit and unity; however, today the Church speaks to us especially of mercy. Today is the second Sunday of Easter. The Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday today.

This Day of Mercy was proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. Jesus himself desired this day. Appearing to Saint Faustina in Poland, Jesus said: “I desire that this be a Feast of Mercy. I want this vision to be consecrated on the first Sunday after Easter. This Sunday should be the Feast of Mercy.”

God is merciful. Mercy means that God is willing and able to forgive all the sins we commit. If we truly repent of our sins, God will forgive us.

In this painting by Saint Faustina, we see two rays emanating from Jesus' chest. This mercy is symbolized by the water and blood flowing from Jesus' side on the cross. One ray is white, the other red. The white ray represents baptism, where God cleanses us from our sins. The red ray is the blood representing the Eucharist. Jesus gave his body and blood to nourish us.

Jesus promises Saint Faustina that on this Feast of Mercy, he will heal and strengthen weakened souls. He also declares that God will bless families who display this image in their homes.

God is always ready to forgive our sins. We read this in the Bible today as well. Jesus promises to forgive sins through his apostles. He says: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, they will be forgiven; but if you do not forgive anyone, they will not be forgiven.” The priests’ authority to forgive sins stems from this promise of Jesus.

Jesus also says, “Just as the Father sent me, so I send you.” God sent apostles to convey His mercy and forgiveness to all mankind; likewise, He sends priests.

In today's Gospel, Jesus once again shows mercy towards an apostle. He first showed mercy to Peter, who had denied him three times. Despite this, Peter repented, was forgiven, and became the first Pope of the Church.

Today, Jesus speaks to Thomas. Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the apostles. The apostles told him that Jesus had appeared to him, but he did not believe them. Then Jesus took mercy on Thomas and appeared to him again to show him that he had truly risen.

And Jesus left this counsel: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Blessed are those who believe without seeing!” Often we want to see in order to believe. But Jesus invites us to believe his words; that is, to believe without needing proof.

This is the heart of Jesus: always ready to forgive, love, teach, and help. He approaches everyone, whether they are sinners or have made mistakes. Let us always have faith in the mercy of God, who wants to save everyone who repents and seeks a new life.

May God's mercy enter our lives and families so that we may live free from sin and evil. May the joy of knowing that we are loved and forgiven by God always bring comfort to our lives.