“They are members, one of another: the same family.” – Fr. Paul English’s, CSB Reflection On Divine Mercy Sunday – Houston, TX.

“My Lord and My God”

This Second Sunday of Easter is “Divine Mercy Sunday,” a designation by Saint Pope John Paul II who himself was a living example of mercy.  After recuperating – mostly – from being shot by a would-be assassin, then-Pope John Paul II arranged to sit down in a prison cell with Ali Agca, the gunman, and have a loving conversation, showing the man who attempted to take his life, a sort of self-giving mercy that changed not only Ali Agca’s heart, but the hearts of many who learned of their encounter.

On that day, Saint John Paul made himself a member of the family with Ali Agca.  They became brothers one to another in an extraordinary way.  Our God, repeatedly throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, says some version of, “You will be my people and I will be your God.”  This is not the declaration of a potentate who wishes to dominate a group of subjects; these are the tender words of joy that they are members, one of another: the same family.  God, as it were, identifying with the people.  And the people recognizing that God is theirs!

It is from this beautiful place of belonging one to another that we can approach the God who, in Jesus Christ crucified, has already reached out to us.  It is in this light, in this warmth, that we can confidently and happily know our freedom from the offenses that had become habits, and love again abundantly, as Christ does.