SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A
Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118;
1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
PRAISE OF GOD FOR HIS MERCY
The letter of Peter is believed to have been written by the prince of the apostles, Peter, around 64 AD. The letter was written to the Christians in Rome who were experiencing persecution from being accused by the emperor of causing a fire that engulfed apart of the city. The Christians of Rome underwent one of the most terrible experiences of persecution of the faith that has ever been seen. Peter identifies with these people as fellow pilgrims on the journey towards a heavenly reward.
He begins his message with the call for praise of God. It is interesting that, writing to a people under persecution, Peter begins by calling them to praise God. It is certainly right because for us Christians we know that through the resurrection of Jesus, God is with us in every pain and trouble and we shall surely be vindicated at the end. We believe that the joy of the resurrection abounds over any persecutions we may encounter. Indeed, it has always been the Christian charisma to “rejoice that they have been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of the name (of the Lord)” (Acts 5:41).
The call for praise of God is also to praise Him for his mercy. Mercy means not to receive the punishment that one deserves but instead experience compassion and love. All of us have sinned and deserve the wrath of God, but through His mercy, we have forgiveness through the sorrowful death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is not only a celebration of the resurrection of God but also of God’s immense mercy towards us.
We bless God for his mercy towards us, for forgiving us our sins and counting us worthy of his presence. We ought to always plead the mercy of God for ourselves and for others. The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, is a rich locus for an encounter with the mercy of God. We must also show others kindness and forgiveness because we have experienced it ourselves. Furthermore, we must remember to pray for the world, for God’s mercy especially on sinners. Let us remember to pray the chaplet of Divine mercy for the sins of the world.
As we thank God for his mercy, we praise him also for the gift of new birth. Peter describes the new birth as a gift of God. It means that we could not achieve that by ourselves but only by the mercy of God. It is God who initiates our salvation. He is the one who forgives us and grants us a second chance. May the Lord be with us and save us in every moment of our lives. May we never abandon him. We must indeed have an attitude of gratitude always to God for this gift of salvation.
He calls them to be grateful even for the sufferings they are going through. The persecution they are going through is not unknown to God but it is meant for the strengthening of their faith. Imagine what would become of the Church or the Christian faith if the early Christians had given up and run away. Their fortitude becomes and example for us today and a testimony of their own faith. There is a purpose to whatever difficulty we are going through. God is with you and he will surely deliver you. I pray that you see the purpose of the trials in your life. Even if it is not that clear to you continue to be faithful and trust God. Peter assures us that our sufferings in this world will not last for it is just for a moment. It is a great privilege to suffer on account of the name of the Lord because he will not forget us. He promised “whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him I will confess also before my father who is in Heaven…” (Matthew 10:32-39
We can afford to bear the moment of persecution for Christ, which may lead to the loss of our comfort, properties and even our lives because of the resurrection. The lord shall grant us victory surely. This assurance is what Peter calls living hope. May it not disappoint you. As you read this piece, I declare victory in every challenging situation of your life and may the Lord grant you with the strength of the Holy Spirit to be an exceptional disciple.
May God show us his mercy and may our lives in every respect bring glory to God.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
