Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy) – Year A (2026)
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Today’s readings paint an idyllic snapshot of the newborn Church after the Resurrection of Jesus. As we peer into them, we see that they don’t just lead us toward Easter joy; they teach us that the praise of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the way of living our faith. They do so by pointing to a common theme: Doxology is at the center of Christian life. Praise, as a form of prayer, recognizes God as God and gives him glory, offered through the risen Christ. As the Church, we turn to singing, blessing, thanking, and glorifying God. The praise rising from the Church’s heart takes shape in our words and overflows into our community. Today’s readings are full of praise, even if they don’t use the term “doxology” in them.
The first reading reveals how the early believers lived the Resurrection with a rhythm of fellowship and prayer by devoting themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread, forming a joyful, generous community that praised God in the Church’s worship. Today’s Psalm is a liturgy of thanksgiving to God in the midst of trials, repeating the theme of God’s steadfast love enduring forever. It does not deny or ignore suffering, but calls it and insists that God gives us strength, courage, and then victory. It ends with these words that give glory and praise: “You are my God, I give you thanks; my God, I offer you praise. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his mercy endures forever.” — Psalm 118:28-29. Peter, in the second reading, shows that through Christ’s resurrection, God gives believers a living hope amid trials. That hope produces glory and praise to God. He doesn’t pretend the Christian life is easy. He says believers may have to suffer trials, at least “for a little while.” But then he reframes those trials through faith. Faith is “more precious than gold”, refined by being “tested by fire.” Faith results in “praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Peter concludes by giving us a promise: “Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of [your] faith, the salvation of your souls.” — 1 Peter 1:8-9. In the Gospel reading, John shows Jesus turning doubt into worship. On Easter Sunday evening, the disciples were together with the doors locked, fearing the Jews. Jesus appeared in their midst and comforted them with His first words, “Peace be with you.” — John 20:19. Their fright turned into peace and joy. As Jesus returned to the disciples again, Thomas, who had not been present the first time, demanded proof that it was really Jesus. Jesus showed them the wounds on His hands and side to which Thomas responded with his doxology of faith, “My Lord and my God!” — John 20:28.
Fear and locked doors still exist today, but Jesus continues to bring peace, reveal himself, and lead people into fellowship with the Father. So, this week, let our faith become doxology: not only words, but a heart that gives glory to God in how we live, how we endure, and how we practice mercy, turning worship into love.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.