Mercy beyond measure

A man stated to his friend, “I think my wages are frozen. When I opened my pay envelope, a little light went on.”

This is Mercy Sunday, the First Sunday after Easter and a little light should go on and off in our minds and hearts as we hear again the story of the Risen Lord appearing to the disciples behind locked doors. Are the doors of my heart locked? Do I fear that Jesus might show up and visit me and I am afraid that my well-ordered ways will be turned upside down?

Remember the seven deadliest words are, “We have always done it this way.” I can then dig in my heels, fold my arms and refuse to budge, for this is the way! Yet, Jesus comes through locked doors and states “Peace, be with you.” Jesus then sends them out to offer mercy and forgiveness.

The picture of Jesus as Divine Mercy shown by the Lord to St. Faustina shows rays of light and love coming forth from the Risen Lord, to be shared and shown to ALL. They were not to be frozen and kept for the future but given now.

Our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, gives us beautiful glimpses of the lifestyle of the earliest Christians. They lived a shared life, devoted to the Lord and each other. They were joyful witnesses of the teaching and example of the Risen Lord.

They had chosen the better path and are offering in word and deed the inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading! We are to share the light and love gained through our Lenten sacrifices, and now strengthened by the Easter Peace of Jesus, to be daily lived in word and deed.

Because of our faith and hope in Eternal Life, we can take the risk of changing, growing and giving more peace, mercy and love as it has been freely given to us. We can transform the world by these gifts, if we just refocus, recharge and redirect our mercy and love outward and not inward and let the light shine forth for all.

Easter needs to matter, not in a word, but in actions, done in mercy and peace in the name of the Risen Lord, Jesus.

Easter peace and mercy may be beyond any measure we might expect.

Remember the story this week about a man who answered his doorbell, and a friend walked in, followed by a very large dog.

As they began talking, the dog knocked over a lamp, jumped on the sofa with his muddy paws and began chewing a pillow.

The outraged householder, unable to contain himself any longer, burst out, “Can’t you control your dog better?’

The friend yelled back, “My dog! I thought it was your dog!”

Go, the extra measure of mercy; dog or no dog!