Unlocking the Heart

In the April 2025 Magnificat mass companion, the introduction for Divine Mercy Sunday says that Jesus showed his wounded hands and side, “so that we will not be afraid to show him ours.” 

The Gospel from John 20:19-31 describes a clear composition of place – evening of the first day after the consternating experience of Jesus’ Resurrection – the disciples are together with locked doors. Locked doors would indicate that they were afraid, they wanted to feel in control of something in their surrounding and needed a sense of protection from the outside. At times this can describe our stance before God. No matter what the reason we fear him or why we feel the need to protect our hearts and minds from him, Jesus shows that those locked doors cannot keep him out.

Even more he shows that he doesn’t come with judgment. “Peace be with you,” he says. After the disciples rejoice upon seeing his wounds, he reiterates his offer of peace. Jesus then goes straight to mission and the indication that he intends to continue the Father’s work, through them. The same people hiding behind locked doors, likely feeling shame for how they had not been able to stand by Jesus in his greatest hour of need are those he trusts with his mission.

Jumping back to the first reading from Acts of the Apostles 5:12-16, the apostles are working signs and miracles…and most sought among them was Peter! This man who publicly denied Jesus, even knowing him, is here just weeks later publicly healing in his name. What was it that gave Peter the confidence and conviction to leave his shame and woundedness behind to see the needs of others and believe in himself as an instrument of God’s grace and healing? How were the locks on his heart opened so that he no longer sat in fear of the consequences of his Christian identity but actively placed himself at God’s service?

The Psalm indicates thanksgiving and love as an unlocking strategy. John reveals the importance of humility and attentiveness to the Lord’s inspirations and messages, but I think Jesus’ action encompasses all of these by giving the Holy Spirit! And just as Jesus came through the door without concern for what barriers his followers might have for seeking him out, he gives the Spirit as a gift to be received and not based on merit or worthiness.

This Divine Mercy Sunday gives each of us the invitation to look at our own hearts, our resistance, fears and barriers as well as at the gifts the Trinity is just waiting to give.

Today's Readings