Far too often do we equate the mercy of humanity to the mercy of God. Divine mercy has no conditions, shows no favouritism, and requires nothing in return. It is relentless, ever available and meets us wherever we are.

Distorting the nature of God’s mercy benefits the enemy, for if we really knew the depth and measure of divine mercy, we would spend far less time away from our Father, and far less time wallowing in guilt and shame. Today’s liturgical readings reveal this merciful heart in multiple ways.

Often, we fall like Thomas at the feet of Jesus, caught up in our unworthiness. Yet in these moments, Jesus reaches out and whispers into our innermost being “Do not be afraid”. In our weakness, the enemy feeds us lies that make us turn away from God in shame, and foolishly believe that we do not deserve His love. However, if we choose to ignore the deceitful voice of the enemy and turn around like Thomas did, to listen to the voice of God, we will discover that in those moments when we think we have failed Him, He desires to pull us even closer. If as repentant children we run towards God, instead of away from Him, we will find reassurance, acceptance, and open arms.

Like the disciples, we often hide behind locked doors, confused, terrified, and uncertain. Today’s second reading, however, proves that we cannot outrun nor hide from God’s love. Just as He did with the disciples, Jesus penetrates our closed doors to breathe upon us. Such is the relentlessness of His mercy. Even when we fail as Thomas did, He still pursues us. Jesus did not respond to Thomas’ doubts and unbelief with disapproval or punishment, but with a personal and intimate encounter. God loves meeting us in our struggle as He did with Thomas. His mercy does not wait for us to attain a certain level of faith or holiness, but rushes into our brokenness to convince us that we are still His chosen, forgiven, beloved children.

Today, on Divine Mercy Sunday, Jesus appears before us and invites us to place our fingers upon his nail wounds and our hands upon His pierced side to truly believe in the gift of mercy that was made available to us through his sacrifice. By His death and resurrection, we have received priceless mercy that endures forever.

As we remove the limitations we humanly place on God’s mercy, we learn new dimensions to sharing mercy. As our understanding of His divine mercy stretches, so do our hearts. When we open ourselves to receive more of His mercy, we open ourselves to pour out more of His mercy.

Prayer: Abba Father, show us the depth and beauty of your mercy. Expand our hearts to receive it and let it overflow to those around us. Amen.