Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, is also Divine Mercy Sunday. There's a neat connection in the Gospel reading today from John 20.
While many may focus on Thomas in today's Gospel reading, something happens before Thomas' exchange with Jesus that we should take note of. Jesus says to the Apostles, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." This authority given to the Apostles is why Catholics go to the priest for confession.
How would our first priests know what sins to forgive or retain? They had to be told! And through Holy Orders, all of our priests are given that same authority. The sacrament of Confession is really all about God's mercy. How appropriate on Divine Mercy Sunday, eh? So if you haven't been to Confession lately, go soon and receive God's mercy!
Father, we thank you for your great mercy. Help us to be merciful, as you are merciful. Amen.
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