Gospel for April 12 2026 – John 20:19-31
Gospel Reflections for April 12 2026
Mercy Sunday
This Sunday recalls Jesus meeting His Disciples …right after his crucifixion.
They had abandoned Jesus at His arrest, torture, and death on a cross. What would be His response now? How do you respond to people who hurt you?
Some always seek revenge. They want swift justice for any offense. But Jesus offers a different response, which is always love, but in a challenging way. He certainly wants to stop evil behavior out of love for victims but also for love of bad people to change their ways.
Right after His resurrection Jesus reveals, of all things …mercy! Why is that?
The Gospel begins in a locked room, where the disciples hid right after Jesus was arrested, tortured, and crucified. They are frightened of everyone, and perhaps Jesus as well. After all, they abandoned Him in His moment of greatest need.
Now they hear He has risen! What will He do now? They could only expect swift revenge. Doesn’t anyone who has ever been hurt?
When Jesus finally arrives His first words are, “Peace be with you!” No one expected that! Jesus is not interested in your punishment, but only in your changed life for the better. He wants you to leave behind sins that only cause yourself and others pain …and finally live His life of joy. That is what mercy is …a promise of no revenge …in exchange for our promise of a changed life!
Only Jesus can arrive inside the locked room of our hearts, that deep place where we keep the memories of our greatest sins. We need to believe in His mercy and His grace that helps us change for the better.
Sister Faustina was a Polish nun in the 1930’s who received a vision of this merciful Jesus. It is the famous “Divine Mercy” image that Pope John Paul encouraged all churches to display this Sunday. He had lived through the horrors of Nazi Germany and Communist Russia, two evil examples of the betrayal of God’s love. He knew the world needed this message of mercy.
Right after His greeting of “peace” Jesus authorizes His disciples to forgive sins. Now that they have experienced mercy, He wants them to offer mercy to all who come to confession with that same promise of amendment …a promise of a changed life.
That is just what the world needs to hear
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Beautiful words as always our precious Father Dave!! As we receive mercy, we should embrace others with it, as we receive love, we should give Jesus’ love to all, as we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we must radiate Jesus to everyone in word and action and make our world soooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful!
Love our precious Jesus and love our precious Father Dave for you give us Jesus’ love so beautifully and you give His love to the world!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, this is one fantastic, incredible, and beautiful message from our Lord Jesus. His perfect love and mercy fill our imperfections and … change us.
Thank you for your enlightening gospel synopsis. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Divine Mercy!