Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for 2nd Sunday in Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday

April 12, 2026, John 20:19-31

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041226.cfm

Jesus’ Mercy is the Best Love You Will Ever Know

Peace to all of you, and Happy Easter.

Being a priest and speaking in the Name of Jesus is truly a profound gift—changing the substance of bread and wine and touching the hearts of people. I wish you could get into my heart and experience with me the joy of being a priest of Jesus. Before Easter, we listened to hundreds of confessions, and I could genuinely see people’s hearts transforming right before my eyes. The tears they shed—sometimes of sadness, other times of relief and happiness—showed how truly free they felt.

In his book Interior Freedom, Fr. Jaque Filippe states, “Interior freedom is a tangible fruit of Easter,” something we can all experience.

Fr. Philippe puts interior freedom this way,

“Even in the most unfavorable outward circumstances, we possess within ourselves a space of freedom that nobody can take away because God is its source and guarantee.

“Without this discovery, we will always be restricted in some way and will never taste true happiness. But if we have learned to let this inner space of freedom unfold, then, even though many things may cause us to suffer, nothing will be able to oppress or crush us.”

Fr. Jaque beautifully explains that through God’s grace and the resurrection, the Lord offers us a heartfelt space of freedom that no one or nothing can ever take from us.

God’s divine mercy offers a beautiful pathway to freedom. It truly reaches into the human heart and can transform everything in a person’s life. Have you ever felt deeply touched by God’s mercy? Did it not change everything for you, especially your relationships?

Please remember that Divine Mercy was not easy for Jesus to give. It cost Him everything on the cross. If you’re curious about your worth, consider what you cost

Jesus. God the Father didn’t want His Son to endure such a terrible death, but He did it out of love. He permitted it for something greater to come, our conversion.

Much like the Son, the Father knew that the most profound and selfless love is one that gives everything up for someone else’s well-being.

Stubborn St. Thomas, the apostle, experienced a meaningful challenge when he encountered the Divine Mercy in the heart of Jesus. The once tight knots of doubt in his heart slowly unraveled until he finally knelt before Jesus with a heartfelt faith and joy, proclaiming, “My Lord and my God.”

Painful memories, bursts of anger, and even pouting about something that happened can gently fade away as Thomas’s doubt gave way to Jesus’ merciful look of love. Jesus feels our sins in His wounds, but His Sacred Heart is bursting with so much mercy that the wounds of His crucifixion heal during our conversion.

Notice in the picture of the Divine Mercy, Jesus asked St. Faustina to paint this image. The wounded hand of Jesus is shown in a blessing gesture. How do we feel and respond when someone hurts us? Do we find it in our hearts to bless in return?

My friends, the Lord’s mercy is incredibly personal, and when you experience it, it naturally makes you eager to share Jesus’ love with everyone around you. Just like the martyrs of the Church loved those who persecuted them, we choose to hold nothing against anyone. When Jesus becomes “My Lord and my God,” it opens the door for everyone to be your friend, even if they don’t realize it yet.

Gospel Challenge:

Finally, take a moment to connect with the eyes of Jesus in the painting. He once told St. Faustina, “My gaze from the eyes in the image is my gaze from the cross.” Mercy is the love we don’t deserve, but that is ours, and it sets us free.

My friends, experience the mercy of Jesus every day as you pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. “For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and the whole world.” The Lord can generously offer us a special freedom that no one and nothing can take away. His mercy is like a welcoming door that opens into that gift.

Peace to you.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com