Today is Divine Mercy Sunday, which we focus on the mercy and forgiveness that Jesus has won for us through his death and resurrection.  After the Resurrection, Jesus is fully restored, his body raised and glorified.  However, what remains are the scars on his hands, feet and side.  Jesus keeps them for several reasons.

One, they are proof of his actual bodily resurrection, that this is the same Jesus who died, was buried, but now is raised.  Two, his wounds are a sort of trophy, a symbol of Jesus’ triumph.  Such injuries cannot defeat Him, for he has overcome even death itself.  Third, they are the proof of his great love and tender mercy for us. 

Jesus, who out of love for us was pierced and wounded, desires to bestow his mercy upon us.  It is by his wounds that we are healed, and he bore those wounds for our sake.  Thus, he is not ashamed to keep his wounds, and he is not ashamed to reveal them to us.  For from them pours out his tender mercy.  Thus, we open ourselves up to Jesus, we bring before him our own wounds, and in turn we receive his consoling and healing mercy. 

When you see the image of the Divine Mercy, you see rays of light emitting from his heart.  Those are the rays of love and mercy that Jesus wishes to envelop us in. 

Also with the image is the text, “Jesus, I trust in you.”  We are to not be afraid and place our trust in Jesus, to approach him and live his gospel without fear.  When Jesus appeared to his disciples, he says, “peace be with you.”  This is an interior, spiritual peace of the heart and mind.  A heart in turmoil is one that is fearful, that doubts, that is anxious.  When we are overcome by worry, fear, doubt, we turn inward, we close ourselves up. 

A heart in peace, however, is trusting, confident, faithful, hopeful, joyful.  Jesus is saying to his followers, “Look, it is I.  I have been raised, I am very much alive, so remove your doubts and fears.  You don’t believe?  Look at these wounds, received for the salvation of the world.  Trust in me, the one was raised, and I will give you my love and mercy and peace.”

Look what happens when you are able to live with the trust and mercy of Jesus without fear.  The early Christians, we are told, lived “with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.”  Even through trials, life can be lived without fear, because of God’s love and mercy working in your life.

Again we here from Scripture, “In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Thus, even in a time such as this, we confidently turn to Jesus in prayer, knowing that your faith, hope and love in Him will preserve your most important possession; an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, the salvation of your soul, and the glorious joy that come with it.

So believe and trust in Jesus, and open your entire self to him.  Believe and trust in Jesus, so that he may take away your sins, heal your wounds, and give you his consolation.  Believe and trust in Jesus, so that you may joyfully and confidently live his gospel life and bring his love and mercy to others.  Believe and trust in Jesus, because he has been raised.