SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER | SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.
1 John 5:6
This powerful word from St. John’s First Epistle reminds us that Jesus’ public ministry began with his baptism by water in the Jordan, and concluded with his death, with a baptism of blood, on the Cross. Elsewhere John’s Gospel recounts that when the soldier’s lance pierced Jesus’ side upon the Cross, “immediately blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34). On physical side, this was proof of Jesus’ death. But on the spiritual side, the Church interprets the blood as the gift of our redemption through the blood of the Lamb of God who was slain for our sins, and it also connects Jesus’ blood with the Eucharist. Similarly, the Church reminds us that the significance of water being the sign of new life in Baptism. And yes, uncanny as it may seem, Jesus’ death brought new life to the world.
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. When Catholics see the famous portrait of the Jesus as the Divine Mercy, the rays of red and white that stream from his merciful heart harken back to the blood and the water of the Cross that paid the price for our salvation. And still today, Jesus’ heart and love are a fount of mercy for us. Let us run to him and bring ourselves, our loved ones and deepest prayers to be redeemed by so great a love.
O Jesus, may I be saved and immersed in your merciful love. I place my deepest longings before your Divine Mercy, today.
