The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1
He entered the room though the doors were locked and said, “Peace be with you.” There was no recrimination from Jesus about the disciples’ actions in denying him or running away. He simply gave them the blessing of mercy, forgiveness and wholeness. He then commissioned them to do the same and set the Christian community as a hallmark of forgiveness and mercy for the world. We are a community of God’s people established on a foundation of mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Even Thomas, who doubted the witnesses of the resurrection, was welcomed with that same gift of mercy.
Mercy is a blessing for those who receive and who give it. Mercy is a divine gift of a loving and compassionate Father given through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of His only Son. We have experienced that gift so often in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but it remains a gift we are still reluctant, at times, to share with others. We are to be a people of mercy. We forgive as Jesus forgives for this is one of our most powerful gifts. This takes courage, faith and determination.
Today, as we celebrate the hope and promise of Divine Mercy, may we recommit our hearts to carry out this mission of faithful and grace filled love. There is far too much hated, name-calling and grudge holding in our world. We must not be afraid to forgive. May we forgive as we are forgiven. This gesture of great sacrifice builds up our community and the community around us. We hear today that the early Christians shared everything in common. The greatest gift we can share is that of mercy, the blessing of God’s complete and unconditional love.