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Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

2nd Sunday of Easter

Sunday April 23, 2028

Mercy That Brings Peace

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C reminds us that God’s love has no limits. It celebrates the gift of forgiveness that flows from Jesus after His resurrection. This day calls us to trust in His mercy and to share it with others. It is a time to remember that no sin is too great for His compassion.

The Gospel reading shows Jesus appearing to His disciples, bringing peace where there was fear. His words calm their hearts and give them hope. He shows His wounds, not as signs of pain, but as proof of His love. Divine Mercy Sunday Year C helps us see that His mercy heals our wounds too.

This Sunday invites us to live with mercy in our daily lives. We can show kindness to others, forgive quickly, and choose peace over anger. When we receive mercy, we are called to pass it on. That is how the message of this feast grows in the world today.

Mass Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

  • First Reading – Acts 5:12-16: The apostles, performing signs and wonders, gathered in Solomon’s portico, held in high regard despite others’ hesitance. Their number grew rapidly, and the sick were brought to them; even Peter’s shadow was sought for healing. All who came were healed.
  • Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118: Israel, Aaron’s descendants, and the God-fearing proclaim God’s enduring mercy. He answers in distress, providing strength and salvation. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, a marvelous act of the Lord.
  • Second Reading – Revelation 1:9-11A, 12-13, 17-19: John, exiled on Patmos for his faith, receives a vision from Jesus on the Lord’s day. Instructed to write, he sees Christ among lampstands, falls down, but is reassured by Christ, the eternal, resurrected one holding keys to death and Hades.
  • Gospel – John 20:19-31: In a locked room, Jesus appeared to his disciples, offering peace and showing his wounds, which brought them joy. He empowered them with the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins. Thomas, absent initially, doubted their testimony. Later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds, leading to Thomas’ declaration of faith. Jesus blessed future believers who wouldn’t see yet believe. These events were recorded to affirm faith in Jesus as the Christ.

Lectionary Reference: 45

The readings above are for lectionary cycle C. For other years see the links below:
Divine Mercy Sunday Year A
Divine Mercy Sunday Year B

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

John 20:29

Themes for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C celebrates God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness. The readings highlight themes of faith, healing, and the importance of believing in Christ’s resurrection.

  • God’s Healing Power: In Acts 5:12-16, the apostles perform many signs and wonders, showing God’s healing power. This reflects how God’s mercy brings physical and spiritual healing.
  • Faith in Jesus: The Gospel of John 20:19-31 recounts Jesus appearing to Thomas, who initially doubted. It shows the importance of believing in Jesus, even without seeing Him.
  • Peace from Christ: Jesus says, “Peace be with you,” when He appears to the disciples. This peace comes from His mercy and forgiveness, calming our fears and doubts.
  • Witness to Christ: Revelation 1:9-11A, 12-13, 17-19 speaks of John witnessing Christ’s glory. We are called to be witnesses of Christ’s mercy in the world.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: Jesus gives the apostles the power to forgive sins, emphasizing the mercy available through the Church. Confession is a way to experience God’s forgiveness and mercy.
  • Thomas’s Declaration: Thomas’s declaration, “My Lord and my God,” shows a personal encounter with the risen Christ. It encourages us to deepen our own faith and trust in Jesus.

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C is a reminder of God’s endless mercy and love for us. The themes encourage us to trust in Jesus, seek His forgiveness, and share His peace with others.

Resources for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

All Things Visible and Invisible – A Lesson Plan on Believing

This lesson for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C helps youth explore what it means to believe in something unseen, like Thomas in John 20:19-31. Thomas doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus’ wounds. Jesus didn’t dismiss him but helped him believe.

This teaches us that faith can grow even from doubt. Like Thomas, we can trust in Jesus’ love and healing, even if we struggle with believing.

Litany of Belief

The “Litany of Belief” is a prayer for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, inspired by the father in Mark 9:24 and Thomas in John 20:28. It expresses the struggles of faith and doubt, echoing the responses “I do believe, help my unbelief” and “My Lord and my God.”

This litany helps us acknowledge our doubts and seek God’s mercy, just as Thomas did when he recognized Jesus as Lord. It is a fitting prayer for reflecting on God’s mercy and our journey of faith.

Divine Mercy Chaplet

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a prayer devotion emphasizing God’s mercy, revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska. Prayed with a rosary, it focuses on Jesus’ Passion and mercy for the world. The chaplet, often prayed at 3 PM or for those near death, reminds us to seek and show mercy.

On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, it holds special significance, encouraging us to reflect on God’s mercy and the importance of extending it to others.

Acts of the Apostles: Power and Healing in the Early Church

The book of Acts tells how the apostles continued Christ’s mission after His Ascension. This passage shows their unity, courage, and the Spirit’s power working through them. Their ministry brought healing and faith to many. On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, this reminds us that mercy flows through the Church’s witness and compassion.

This moment fits the larger story of how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem outward. Acts often highlights the Spirit’s presence guiding the apostles. Their actions reveal a community marked by faith and service, showing God’s care for all who suffer. The Church continues that mission of mercy and healing today.

Read more about the Book of Acts.

Psalm 118: The Lord’s Enduring Mercy

Psalm 118 celebrates God’s faithfulness through every trial. Its repeated refrain, “His mercy endures forever,” proclaims confidence in the Lord’s saving power. On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, it echoes the joy of resurrection and forgiveness. The psalmist gives thanks for deliverance and strength found only in God.

Within the Psalms, this one stands out for its theme of victory through trust. The rejected stone becoming the cornerstone points to Christ’s triumph over rejection and death. It invites every generation to join in thanksgiving for God’s steadfast love.

Learn more about Psalm 118.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 118.

The Book of Revelation: The Living One

Revelation opens with John’s vision of the risen Christ, radiant and eternal. He receives this vision during exile, showing that God’s presence reaches even those in suffering. On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, this image of Jesus as the Living One assures believers that mercy conquers fear and death.

The book’s larger message is one of hope amid persecution. Revelation urges Christians to remain faithful, trusting in Christ’s victory. The vision of Jesus among the lampstands symbolizes His closeness to His Church. His words bring courage and peace to all who follow Him.

Explore more about the Book of Revelation.

The Gospel of John: Faith That Sees Beyond Sight

John’s Gospel often focuses on signs that lead to belief. In this passage, Jesus brings peace to His disciples and invites Thomas to move from doubt to faith. On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, this encounter shows mercy as patient, personal, and life-giving. It reminds us that faith opens the heart to new life in Christ.

Throughout the Gospel of John, faith is the key theme. Jesus reveals God’s love through His words and actions, calling people to believe and live in the light. Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God,” becomes the high point of belief.

Discover more about the Gospel of John.

Homilies and Commentaries for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

Everything Has Changed

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C shows how the resurrection of Jesus is not just a joyful moment but a world-changing event. The risen Christ enters a room of frightened disciples and says, “Peace be with you.” In doing so, he overturns the power of death and fear. The apostles are sent out to bring this peace to others, filled with the Holy Spirit. Christianity, then, is not private or passive—it is a mission to share God’s mercy and healing.

Bishop Barron explains that the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Revelation both show the impact of this new reality. The apostles, filled with the Spirit, heal and preach boldly. John, exiled to a Roman penal colony, continues to proclaim Christ’s victory over death. Easter is a revolution, shaking all powers that oppose God. The message of Divine Mercy is that love is stronger than fear, and Christ is Lord of all.

Move On: Five Words

In his homily for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on seasons of change, especially the uncertainty that comes when it’s time to move on. Whether students finishing school or anyone facing a new season, the unknown can be hard. He shares how five simple words—“My Lord and my God”—spoken by Thomas in the Gospel, can ground us. These words are a reminder that Jesus really rose, and that he is Lord. If this is true, then everything, no matter how uncertain, will be okay.

Fr. Mike also reminds us of another set of five words: “Jesus, I trust in you.” Found beneath the image of Divine Mercy, these words help us stay rooted in faith even when we are afraid or hurting. Trusting Jesus does not take away all our pain, but it gives us strength to move forward with hope. Because Jesus lives, we can keep going even through tears and change.

They Saw Him!

On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, Sr. Connie Koch reflects on how the disciples recognized Jesus not by his face, but by his wounds. When Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection, he showed them his hands and side. This helped Thomas believe and cry out, “My Lord and my God.” Pope Francis once pointed out how important the word “see” is in this Gospel. The wounds of Jesus are the signs of his love and mercy.

Sr. Connie reminds us that we still see Jesus today in the wounds of people who suffer. Like Thomas, we want to see and touch God for ourselves. The wounds of Christ are a promise that we are loved and forgiven. Even if we have not seen Jesus with our own eyes, we can still believe. In this belief, we find the love we have always been looking for—and so much more than we could ever imagine.

The Gift of Doubt

In the gospel for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, Jesus appears to His disciples and gives them peace, the Holy Spirit, and the power to forgive sins. Thomas, who was not present, doubts their story. But when Jesus appears again, He invites Thomas to see and believe. Thomas responds with a strong act of faith, saying, “My Lord and my God.” His doubt led to a deeper belief. We are reminded that even doubt can lead us closer to God when we bring it honestly to Him.

Matthew Kelly reflects on how small habits, like saying “My Lord and my God” while genuflecting, can strengthen our faith over time. He reminds us that doubt is normal, but what matters is how we deal with it. Ignoring doubt is unhelpful. Facing it with courage can lead to real growth. On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, we are called to trust in Jesus and let our doubts lead us to deeper belief.

Seeing and Believing

On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, we remember the story of Thomas, the disciple who doubted. His story speaks to all of us who have questions or struggle to believe. Thomas came to faith when he encountered the risen Jesus and cried out, “My Lord and my God.” This reminds us that Jesus still enters our lives, even when we doubt or feel unsure.

Fr. Greg Friedman invites us to see the connection between the Eucharist and the resurrection. Just as Jesus was present among his disciples, he is present when we gather for Mass. In the Eucharist, we are invited to touch the wounds of Christ in the body of the Church and to be healed of division and fear. We are sent out, like the first disciples, to witness that Christ is alive and still working through his people today.

The Unveiling of a New World

In Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, he explains the significance of the Book of Revelation. He emphasizes that this book reveals not the end of the physical world, but the birth of a new world through Jesus’ Resurrection.

Bishop Barron notes that the visions in Revelation symbolize the old world ending and a new, just world beginning. He encourages understanding the book as a message for all generations, highlighting the hope and renewal brought by Christ’s victory over death.

Locked Doors Don’t Keep Jesus Away

In Jeff Cavins’ reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, he emphasizes that Jesus reaches us even behind locked doors of fear and doubt.

Cavins highlights the Gospel reading where Jesus appears to His disciples, offering them peace and commissioning them to continue His mission. He encourages us to open our hearts to receive God’s mercy and to embrace our calling, following Jesus’ example through Baptism, Confirmation, and living out His teachings.

Breath of New Life

In Scott Hahn’s reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, he discusses how Jesus fulfills Daniel’s prophecy of the “Son of Man” as an everlasting king and high priest. Jesus appears to the apostles in a risen, life-giving body, and breathes the Holy Spirit onto them, empowering them to forgive sins and perform miracles.

This divine breath unites the Church with Christ, enabling it to bring new life to the world. Hahn emphasizes that through Jesus, the apostles received life and the mission to share His blessings with all.

Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C offers a unique opportunity to reflect on God’s endless mercy and love. It is a time to deepen our faith, recognize the importance of community, and embrace the peace and forgiveness that come from following Jesus. These reflections explore key themes of mercy, faith, and our calling to share God’s love with others.

Embracing Mercy and Faith Together

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C is a special day to reflect on God’s mercy and our faith. The Gospel reading reminds us of the importance of faith in our lives as Catholics. Like Thomas, we may have doubts and uncertainties in our faith journey. But Jesus is always with us, ready to strengthen our faith when we ask Him. We should trust in God’s promises, even when we can’t see them clearly.

The readings also highlight the value of community. The disciples gathered in the Upper Room and experienced the risen Lord together. This shows us the strength we can find in being part of a community of believers. As Catholics, we are called to support and encourage one another in our faith. Being together helps us grow and face challenges with a stronger faith.

On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, we remember Jesus’ message of peace. When He appeared to the disciples, He said, “Peace be with you.” This peace is a gift from God that can calm our hearts and minds. In our busy lives, we can find peace by turning to Jesus in prayer and trusting in His mercy. This peace helps us to be more loving and forgiving towards others.

Forgiveness is another key theme of Divine Mercy Sunday Year C. Jesus gave the apostles the power to forgive sins, showing the importance of mercy. We are encouraged to seek forgiveness for our sins and to forgive those who hurt us. This act of mercy not only heals our relationships but also brings us closer to God.

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C is a time to reflect on God’s mercy, the strength of our faith, the support of our community, and the peace and forgiveness we receive from God. It’s a reminder to trust in Jesus, seek His mercy, and be a source of mercy to others. By embracing these lessons, we can grow in our faith and live more fully as Catholics.

God’s Mercy Through Jesus and Our Call to Share It

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C reminds us of the great mercy God showed by sending Jesus to us. The incarnation of Jesus is a clear sign of God’s love and mercy. Through Jesus, we can be fully reconciled with God and experience the Holy Spirit in our lives. This relationship with God, through Jesus, assures us that even death cannot separate us from His love.

In the Gospel, Jesus breathes on His disciples and encourages them to receive the Holy Spirit. This act shows that the Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers us to continue Jesus’ mission of spreading mercy and forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we are called to receive this Spirit and live out the mercy we have received.

Our role as Christians is to share God’s mercy with others. This means forgiving others, showing kindness, and being compassionate. We are reminded that just as we have received God’s grace, we should also be channels of that grace to others. It’s our duty to bring this message of mercy to the world, especially to those who are hurting or lost.

Living as examples of God’s mercy is a way to bring hope and healing to those around us. By being merciful, we can help others experience God’s love and forgiveness. This is an important part of our faith, and it helps us grow closer to God and each other.

On Divine Mercy Sunday Year C, we reflect on the incredible gift of God’s mercy through Jesus. We are called to embrace this mercy, share it with others, and live as witnesses of God’s love. By doing so, we continue the mission of Jesus, bringing light and hope to the world.

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C challenges us to live out the mercy we receive from God. By trusting in Jesus, seeking forgiveness, and supporting one another, we can be signs of God’s love in the world. Let us commit to spreading this message of mercy, bringing hope and healing to all we encounter.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and love. Help us to trust in You, share Your forgiveness, and be kind to others. Guide us to be faithful witnesses of Your peace and mercy. Amen.

Reflection Questions for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

  • How can I strengthen my faith like Thomas?
  • In what ways can I experience and share the peace of Christ?
  • How does being part of a faith community support my spiritual growth?
  • What steps can I take to show forgiveness to others?
  • How can I be a witness of God’s mercy in my daily life?
  • What does receiving the Holy Spirit mean to me?
  • How do I respond to moments of doubt in my faith?
  • In what ways can I support others in their faith journey?
  • How can I grow closer to God through prayer and trust?
  • What actions can I take to bring hope and healing to those around me?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

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Touch and Believe

This image captures the Gospel moment from Divine Mercy Sunday Year C when Thomas reaches out to touch the wounds of Christ. It reflects the mercy and peace that Jesus offered to His disciples after the resurrection.

Use this artwork in your parish bulletin, newsletter, or youth ministry materials to inspire trust, faith, and hope in the risen Lord’s healing presence. Download and share this reminder that faith grows when we encounter His mercy.

Paid subscribers may download this file without watermarks for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. – Revelation 1:17-18
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” – John 20:27

Music Suggestions for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

The music selections for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C focus on themes of mercy, resurrection, faith, and the joy of salvation. The hymns celebrate God’s endless love and forgiveness, the hope of new life in Christ, and the strength we find in our faith community. Some songs emphasize the joy and praise due to God’s mercy, while others reflect on the mystery of faith and the comfort of Christ’s presence. This variety of music helps to enrich the liturgy and deepen the congregation’s reflection on these important themes.

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they can enhance the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. Your input is valuable, so please share your own song suggestions and experiences in the comments to inspire others and create a more meaningful worship experience for everyone.

Questions and Answers for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C

What is the significance of the signs and wonders in Acts 5:12-16?

The signs and wonders performed by the apostles show God’s power and mercy at work. They remind us that God’s healing is available to us through faith and prayer.

Why is John called a “witness” in the second reading for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C?

John witnessed a vision of the risen Christ and shared it with others. We are also called to be witnesses by sharing our faith and experiences of God’s mercy with others.

Why did Jesus say, “Peace be with you,” in John 20:19-31?

Jesus said this to bring calm to His disciples, who were scared and confused. It reminds us that Jesus offers peace to us, especially when we are worried or afraid.

What does Thomas’s doubt teach us in the Gospel for Divine Mercy Sunday Year C?

Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Him. This teaches us to have faith in Jesus even when we cannot see Him, trusting in His promises and presence in our lives.

What does it mean that Jesus gave the apostles the power to forgive sins?

In John 20:22-23, Jesus gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This is important for us because it shows that through confession, we can receive God’s forgiveness and mercy.

How can we experience God’s mercy in our daily lives?

We experience God’s mercy by turning to Him in prayer, asking for forgiveness, and helping others. We can also show mercy by being kind and forgiving to those around us.

What lesson do we learn from the apostles performing healings?

The healings in Acts 5:12-16 remind us that God cares about our physical and spiritual health. We can trust in God’s power to heal and help us in our needs.

How does Divine Mercy Sunday Year C encourage us to live our faith?

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C encourages us to live our faith by trusting in Jesus’ mercy, seeking His forgiveness, and sharing His love with others. It’s a call to deepen our relationship with Jesus and be merciful to others.

Celebrating God’s Endless Mercy

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C focuses on God’s mercy and love, inviting us to trust in Him and share His forgiveness. The readings show how Jesus brings peace and healing to His followers. When He appears to the disciples, He gives them the gift of peace, calming their fears. This reminds us that we can always turn to Jesus for comfort and strength.

The Gospel highlights Thomas’s doubts and his declaration of faith when he finally encounters Jesus. This teaches us to believe in Jesus even when we cannot see Him. It also encourages us to deepen our trust in Him, especially when faced with uncertainty.

The day also emphasizes forgiveness. Jesus gives His apostles the authority to forgive sins, showing that mercy is central to His message. We are invited to seek forgiveness through the sacrament of confession and extend mercy to others. Sharing kindness and compassion helps us live out the message of this special day.

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C reminds us of the importance of being part of a faith community. The disciples gathered together, and in their shared experience, they found strength and hope. We, too, are called to support one another in faith and share God’s mercy with the world.

Your Turn

Divine Mercy Sunday Year C calls us to reflect on God’s mercy in our lives and how we can share it with others. Take time to consider how Jesus has brought you peace and healing. Think about ways you can offer kindness and forgiveness to those around you.

We invite you to comment below and share how these readings speak to you. How do you experience God’s mercy? How can you share that mercy with others?

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