𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓’𝒔 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒌
April 12, 2026
Second Sunday Of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday, Year A

Dear Parishioners,

Grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

The disciples are hiding in an upper room. We are not told how many are in the room. Certainly, the group is no longer complete, because Thomas is missing (John 20:24). They are hiding behind closed doors. Although the text does not actually say it, we can guess that the windows and shutters are also probably closed. So the disciples are most likely sitting in the dark, hardly talking, save for the occasional whisper. Perhaps even the cracks between the windows and the walls are filled up with earth to block out the light and keep their presence even more of a secret?

If this all sounds a bit nonsensical, think about their situation for a moment. They are afraid of what the Jewish authorities might do. Jesus has been crucified – will they be next? They are probably equally terrified of Jesus. In Luke’s gospel, they are “in a state of alarm and fright” (Luke 24:37) when he appears to them. And there is a good reason to be scared, because they have betrayed and failed him. The news of Jesus’ resurrection is tempered by the knowledge of how they deserted him. How will he react?

It is a situation we all recognize. Most of us have betrayed someone at one time or another, even if it was only in a small way. We have left them alone in the hour of their greatest need, refusing to listen, to open our hearts, to offer a word of support or a helping hand. Maybe we acted in this way because we thought that we would not see the person again. However, as today’s gospel text clearly shows, people we have wronged in the past have a habit of appearing again out of the blue. One day we suddenly see that person walking down the street. A meeting, perhaps even a confrontation, is inevitable. How will that person react to our betrayal and desertion?

The disciples know that Jesus is alive, and that Mary has even embraced him, but he has not appeared to them in person – could that signify his anger with them? So there they are, shut in that dim room, standing in their midst, saying: “Peace be with you!” That simple phrase is sufficient to let them know that their betrayal and desertion are forgiven, and they are filled with joy.

Have a blessed and a happy Divine Mercy Sunday!

𝑅𝑒𝑣. 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑦, 𝑂.𝑃.