Divine Mercy

The gospel of John was written several decades after the 3 synoptic gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke.  In the synoptic gospels we hear stories, parables, journeys and events in the life of Jesus.  These gospels paint a portrait of a wandering “prophet” who performs miracles, heals the sick, consoles the weak and poor, comforts the lost and lonely and raises the dead.  He himself rose from the dead.  He welcomes all to his friendship and faithfulness.  He attracts and befriends all - including women, children, strangers and refugees. And he is claimed by his Father, “This is my beloved Son…”  As we follow Jesus, we come to know him in a personal and intimate way. We experience his kindness, faithfulness, joys, tears and sorrows not only to his friends and strangers, but to us personally.

John’s gospel is different.  John begins not with the infant Jesus, but with Jesus as the “Word” of God.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…” John’s gospel is one of “signs” of the divinity of Jesus the Christ.  John’s gospel testifies to the divinity of Jesus. In John’s gospel we hear many questions.  Maybe the most recognized is Jesus asking Peter, “Who do you say I am?”  Throughout the gospel John points to signs that testify to the divinity of Jesus. In this gospel we hear of Thomas’ struggle to believe that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead.  Thomas was not rejoicing, he was doubting.  “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hand and put my fingers into the nailmarks and put my hand in his side, I will not believe.” It was not until Thomas was invited to do just that.  ”My Lord and my God.” Like Thomas do I believe only what I personally experience?  Do I not trust the word of someone else’s experience of the presence of God?

For over three weeks, we, here in the US, have been experiencing a devastating virus – the COVID-19, coronavirus. Others around the world have been experiencing it for months.  We knew it was a dreadful disease, but for most of us, it was far off.  Many of us gave it little thought and attention until it was on our doorstep.  Still many continue to deny the dangers of it.  The suffering and death that many continue to experience here in our own cities, towns and neighborhoods is overwhelming.  There is fear, panic, greed, hoarding, violence and death.  Many have died and many more will die.  Where is this God of ours?  Where is our risen Christ?

“My son, my spouse, my mother died and I couldn’t even be there to comfort them.  Where are You?”  What would Jesus answer to our pleading, our doubting? “Come and see for yourselves…”.  “I am here with the doctors, nurses, first responders, hospital chaplains offering comfort to the sick and dying and strength, encouragement, perseverance, the Breath of the Spirit.  Look for Me – I am here in the unemployment lines, in the grocery stores delivering food, in the food banks feeding the sick and hungry.  I am here – look where you walk…. I am the laughing children bringing a respite of joy in their colorful sidewalk chalk drawings. Flowers and hopscotch! I am the tweeting teenagers planting smiley face helium balloons in neighbors’ yards. Let me put my fingers into your sorrow, join my tears and my joy and smiles with yours.”  You plead “Where are you, Jesus?”  “I am with you through it all.”  “My mercy endures forever.”