Laity Reflections for Divine Mercy Sunday
1st Reading: Acts 4:32-35
RESPONSORIAL PSALM psalm 118:2-4.15c-16b and 17-18.22-24 (R.1)
2nd Reading: 1 John 5: 1-7
Gospel Reading: John 20: 19 - 31
Dennis UkangeMy Reflection of the Word of God
There are two lessons to be reflected about this two group of people:
I. The Company of people Who Believe in Christ Resurrection, and
II. Those Who did not believe in Christ Resurrection and the Word of God.
(a) "The company of those who believed were of one heart and one soul", this is a lesson for us believers to be united in faith, actions and to be supportive of one another in terms of needs. And again in believing the word of God and Christ's Resurrection, we have to keep on Proclaiming this to the World so that unbelievers will have a change of heart and be converted. It is our duties as believers to carry on Proclaiming this message to the ends of the world. We might be faced with many changes in doing so, but let's all remember that the mercy of God endures forever and He won't abandon us, He will support us to do His wills.
(b) In this second part is about people who heard the word but did not believe, starting with Thomas who was one of Christ's apostles and the Jews. The Jews didn't believe and wanted also to stop the Believers from Proclaiming this Message of the Messiah's Resurrection. We as believers might still be faced with this challenges, sometimes even from our societies, but we need to Trust in God's mercy and carry on Proclaiming, let us not be like Thomas who said unless he touches his finger in all the wounds part of Christ body before he will believe. Let us remember that "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Bro Ucheegbunam OkeyMaria
Bro Ucheegbunam OkeyMariaMy reflection: From the first reading (Acts:4:32-35). Brethren, In our various Small Christian Communities, Parishes,Dioceses /Archdioceses,are there people who are still hungry,sick, homeless, imprisoned, naked and yet helpless?If the answer is No, Glory to God.But if the answer is Yes,where has the BASIC attribute of the early Christians gone to?(Sharing things in common)No matter how RICH you think you are, you will still receive from people and no matter how poor you think you are, you can still give to people.The last time I checked, the Church was,is and should continue to be the last hope of a COMMON MAN.But today reverse is the case.The way the Glegy(Leaders)and the Laity(Members)are running the affairs of the Church is dictating otherwise.Dear friends in Christ,let us in our own little ways, resurrect this attribute of COMMONNESS,by sharing whatever God has blessed us with for the good and betterment of our brothers and sisters.By doing so, we are being co-redeemers to one another which Jesus calls us to be.Peace be with you!
Victor Offor
Victor OfforMy Reflection for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday).
The disciples, trembling with fear, behold their risen Lord standing among them. A marvel unfolds before their eyes, for the Lord has conquered death itself. The words of Psalm 118:23 echo through their hearts: "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."
"Peace be with you," Jesus declares, revealing His pierced hands and side. In these wounds, the victory over sin and the world is etched. He shows them the marks to increase their faith as 1 John 5:5 proclaims, true overcoming lies in believing that Jesus is the Son of God.
These wounds, once marks of suffering, are now badges of his enduring love. They remind us not only of his sacrifice, but of the boundless mercy he offers. Let us raise our voices in praise, for the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever (Psalm 118:1).
Can a mother forget the child at her breast? Even if she could, the Lord declares, "I will not forget you." Your name is inscribed on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:15-16).
Like newborns, let us yearn for the pure milk of God's word, that we may grow in salvation. (1 Peter 2:2).
Jesus, in His resurrected breath, imparts the Holy Spirit to the apostles. With this sacred breath, He grants them the power to forgive sins, instituting the sacrament of penance—a lifeline for our souls, saving us from damnation.
The Lord's right hand has done mighty deeds! I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord! (Psalm 118:16b-17). Let us go forth, strengthened by God's mercy, to share this gift with the world.
O Blood and Water, gushing forth from the Heart of Jesus—a fountain of mercy—I place my trust in You!
On this second Sunday of Easter, let our hearts resound with gratitude for the Lamb who conquered death and offers us eternal life.
My Reflection
The Spirit of Agape
The First reading expresses the Bond of Ones, Mercy and the Love that radiates in the Mist of the Apostles and Brethren. They share together. They were Bonded in Love. In Pain and Joy. One injury to One is to All.
Our Lord Jesus Christ also expresses to Us Christians, this same Love and Mercy. Thomas was Not chased away. Rather, through his act, the Lord Blessed Us and show Us Mercy, even when we were Not yet in existence. " Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe"- God's Merciful Love.
How I wish, we Christians, Brethren, Parishioners can exhibit this kind of Bond and Togetherness that existed among the Apostles of Old, in our today's World. There are so many division among Christians. The World would have been a better place to live in or the Church a better place to rely on, if and only we can retrace our steps to act like the Apostles of Old.
O Lord Mold Us into a Practical Christian like the Apostles of Old, through your Merciful Heart. Amen
Nathaniel OnwuasoegwuThe Bible is very clear yet difficult to adhere to.
My Reflection is on the gospel .
Go into the whole nation proclaiming the good news and baptising them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit.
How easy it is for us to understand Matt 28:18-20.The gospel of baptism.
And yet difficult to understand today's gospel John 20:19-31
He breathed on the apostles and gave them power to forgive sin saying whose sin you forgive are forgiven and the ones you retained are retained.
The church is a custodian of the truth (Bible) 2 Timothy 2:15.
All she teaches is from the scripture.
Again and again we are called to listen to the church and adhere to the church's teaching because it upholds the truth as seen in the book of Timothy.
Pls go for confession always and do not be deceived by our separated brethren that we cannot confess to a priest.
It's Christ himself who instituted the sacraments.
Pls read the scripture in accordance with the church's teaching and spread the good news as taught by Christ.
Ave!
Paddy Kevwe
REFLECTION
The Last Desire of every man - Peace
Today is Divine Mercy Sunday and our liturgy directs our attention to the mercy of God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. It was out of mercy that Jesus had to come back again after 8days in order that Thomas may also experience and not doubt. But then, we would ask, why the visit of Jesus to his disciples? Simply, it is to give them hope and strength for the journey ahead. And this is seem in the PEACE.
If you ask a dying man what he needs at the moment, I am sure it won't be more cash, car or achievements but rather Peace of mind. It is this peace that Jesus reechoed today in the gospel reading. It is the last desire of any human. No wonder we pray that faithful departed souls should rest in peace.
Brothers and Sisters, in all you seek, seek peace especially the peace of Christ to which the world cannot give you.
Shalom!!!
