The book The Name of God is Mercy, published in 2016, presents a conversation between Pope Francis and journalist Andrea Tornielli. In his introduction to the book, Tornielli writes about Francis’ first Mass as Pope, in 2013. At that Mass, Francis spoke “off the cuff” and said: “The message of Jesus is mercy. For me, and I say this with humility, it is the Lord’s strongest message.”
On this second Sunday of Easter, which is also called Divine Mercy Sunday, we can find Jesus’ message of mercy in today’s Gospel reading. In this passage from John’s Gospel, we find a message from the risen Jesus about peace, as Jesus says twice to his disciples: “Peace be with you.” Related to this message and sharing of peace is a message and sharing of mercy. The disciples are fearful and so have locked the doors. Jesus offers peace and he is also merciful, not condemning them for being afraid. Thomas doubts and does not believe the others. Jesus comes and stands among them a second time and patiently, mercifully reassures Thomas.
May we too experience the peace and mercy of the risen Lord. And may Pope Francis, who knew God’s love and mercy and peace in this life, know it fully in the next one.
Fr. Paul Robson, SJ
