When we are “instruments of God’s Mercy” (St. Eugene), we become miracle workers that transforms hearts
Second Sunday of Easter – April 27, 2025
Our readings today remind us of the great capacity for healing that the Church has to offer through the gift of community: healing that is much needed in our world today.
And, when I say Church, I mean you and I, like the Apostles.
Despite our desire to be miracle workers, the First Reading might seem a bit beyond our reach. The key values revealed here are God’s deep desire, not so much to make converts, but for healing in our world, and that every Christian can become a miracle worker.
Our world, so troubled by violence, war, individualism, domestic abuse and fragmented families, needs more than miraculous cures for sickness; it needs peace-makers who can bring about the miraculous healing of hearts that comes through forgiveness and tolerance.
More than scientific miracles, our world needs to heal hearts through forgiveness, so that peace may come upon our world and into local communities.
Twenty-five years ago, in Melbourne, the late Cardinal George Pell (as Archbishop), began spirituality in the workplace breakfasts that were very simple, but often powerful: a short Mass, a lovely short breakfast, an inspiring presenter and then small group discussion and feedback.
One such breakfast meeting sticks in my mind: the presenter asked each small group to write down three reasons why it was difficult to feel God/ be spiritual in the workplace: among the various answers, every group had a common reason: “a lack of forgiveness”.
Although most of us say “I’m not a miracle worker” to cure cancer, etc., we cannot deny that each of us is capable of forgiveness; and, furthermore, there are a good number of gifted people who are “miracle workers” by leading others to healing and forgiveness with their conflict management skills.
All of this happens when we come together regularly in community (as family, workplace, local community and local Church). We can find God in many places of solitude, but only in community will we be challenged not to make God in my own image (as we judge and condemn others in our hearts), but allow ourselves to be remade in God’s image. This is what St Thomas discovered: when he was absent, he missed the healing presence of Christ; but when he came back, he experienced it.
The dynamics of his “angry” refusal to believe is part of the process of acceptance. It may be frustrating for many of us, but it’s important to let people air their frustrations, as St Thomas did, while they struggle to live freely in community and choose what is best for the other.
Perhaps this is why many Gen-Z people are coming back to the Church (England, USA, etc.), and I heard that a good number are keen on the Latin Mass. The younger people are hungry for tradition, mystery and belonging: perhaps certainty in our throw away culture. This is what family life gives us: traditions of coming together and celebrating special moments. At the time, we often fail to realise what is happening, or how important it is for our mental health.
The last 50 years has been a time of discovery and looking outside the Church for meaning: but many have not found a fulfilling meaning/ purpose for life in materialism, and the attempt to build our own heaven through the amazing scientific advancements over the last 50+ years.
Now the next generation, brought up in the materialism their parents desperately wanted, are finding it so unsatisfying. Like St Thomas, some are re-discovering the importance of Church for community, commitment, discipline and the certainty of belonging.
Finally, many are finding that, as the saying goes: though the Church disallows many things, it forgives everything; in contrast to the world which allows everything and forgives nothing. When Christ was raised from the dead, he came back full of love and gentleness: visiting and encouraging many people. This is our model as Christians; and why we dedicate this Sunday as Divine Mercy.
When we believe in the Resurrection, it’s much easier to forgive others and ourselves. I’ve always felt that the Gospel text: “and the veil of the temple was torn apart” at the death of Christ, is a symbol that when we die to ourselves, we are more able to offer mercy to others.
Our presence in Church, not as quiet bystanders, but actively engaged in helping the community in various ways, strengthens us to rise above the failings of others (painful as they are). We, therefore, become enabled to forgive, to share the divine mercy of Christ: we become the practical form of Christ’s “Peace be with you“, as He greeted the Apostles hiding in fear.
Happy Easter! And, know that God loves you!
By Gerard Conlan, OMI
