Reflection for April 12 Second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday: John 20:19-31

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. 

The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." 

Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do we sometimes feel alone, fearful, and without peace of mind because of the worries we carry in our hearts?

After the death of Jesus, the apostles felt orphaned and without a leader. Their hearts were troubled, and fear lingered within them—fear that was intensified by the voices of the religious leaders. In their weakness and uncertainty, they gathered from time to time, seeking strength in one another’s presence.

And then, in the midst of their loneliness and fear, Jesus came. He stood among them and gently spoke, “Peace be with you.” These were not just words; they were words filled with life, comfort, and assurance. In that moment, their fear began to melt away, replaced by the quiet strength of His presence.

In the same way, Jesus comes to us today. In our moments of anxiety, confusion, and inner turmoil, He draws near and whispers the same words to our hearts: “Peace be with you.” This peace is not the kind the world gives. It is not found in wealth, possessions, or power. It is not something we can achieve or earn. It is a gift—freely given to us by the Risen Lord.

We may have everything this world can offer, yet still feel restless within. We may surround ourselves with people, yet still feel a deep emptiness. Why? Because the peace our hearts long for is not external—it is a divine peace that only Jesus can place within us.

In the Gospel, Jesus repeats His greeting of peace not once, not twice, but three times. It is as if He is telling us: “Do not be afraid. Continue to believe. Hold on to your faith. Remain in Me.” His peace is steady, unchanging, and faithful—even when we are not.

The world may offer us temporary comfort, but it can never give us lasting peace. Wealth may bring convenience, but it can also bring anxiety. Power may give control, but it cannot calm a restless soul. Even the people we love, though they bring us joy, cannot fill the deepest longing of our hearts.

Only Jesus can.

He is always with us—in our silence, in our struggles, in our hidden fears. He never leaves us abandoned. He continues to speak peace into our lives, if only we would pause, listen, and open our hearts to Him.

 In the midst of our fears and uncertainties, are we truly allowing Jesus to enter our hearts and fill us with His peace—or are we still searching for it in the things of this world that can never truly satisfy us?—Marino J. Dasmarinas