Posted on abril 10, 2026 View all Gospel Reflection
“Alleluia, alleluia! He is Risen!”
Happy Easter! Today we complete the celebration of the octave of Easter Sunday with Divine Mercy Sunday.
The celebration of this Sunday’s namesake is rooted in the passage from John 19:34 where it says: “but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” This is also the background of the image seen of Divine Mercy seen by St. Faustina.
This image is not merely contained in the physical person of Jesus Christ on the Cross, but also the Jewish persons in Jesus’ time who would have made the connection to the blood and water flowing from the temple in Jerusalem especially during the high holy days. With Jesus as our new temple, we see how the blood and water flowing from his side are connected to the new reality that he is the new temple and the blood of his sacrifice that was offered for our sins.
On this Sunday in Easter, we should recognize that our salvation comes from the Lord and he left us effective means to reach salvation in the Sacraments. Flowing from the waters of our own Baptism, we are invited to partake of the “breaking of the bread and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Our participation in the Mass and our partaking of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our salvation. As humans we know that we need to eat, and that we should eat in a balanced and healthy manner. In the same way, spiritually, we need to eat the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, to partake of the prayers at Mass, to share in fellowship, and to share our property and possessions so that all may receive according to one’s need. (cf. Acts 2:45)
On Good Friday, Jesus gave up his very life for our good. On Easter Sunday he opened the gates of salvation. Our faith response to Jesus is not a private matter. We are called to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Jesus gives us his peace so that we may know his presence with us as we go forth and face criticism and persecution. He gives us that same peace so that our life is not preoccupied by material concerns, but rather, that we are looking outward to others to share with them from our own resources so that no one is lacking in what they need. This communion of goods is a real aspect of the communion of the saints where they also work to provide help to all on earth according to their needs.
Let us pray that as we journey forward in this season of Easter we may not doubt like Thomas, but rather, that we may live with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.” (Acts 2:46) It is when we live in such a manner that we move closer to Christ and draw others to come and know Our Savior Jesus Christ.
