Closure

Why was Thomas called the “closure” disciple? That’s because he thought he was close to Jesus but he was not sure.

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In today’s Gospel (John 20:19-31), we hear how the disciples had so many fears and doubts after Jesus died. He needed to assure them that He is indeed risen by appearing to them and giving to them His greeting of peace and forgiveness. Like the disciples, especially Thomas, may we overcome our fears and doubts, and say to the Lord again today, “My Lord, and my God!”

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Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Yes, God is good, loving, forgiving, and merciful! Our greatest assurance and consolation is that God’s mercy is more than we can imagine or hope for. It is precisely our devotion to the Divine Mercy that reminds us that our sins are just like a drop of water in the ocean of God’s love and mercy. And so we tell the Lord today: Lord, I am a sinner, but I believe, trust, and surrender all to Your Divine Mercy. Amen!

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Like Thomas, we, too, have our doubts. Often, we hold back our commitment, and we fail in our resolve to be less selfish and proud. Like Thomas, too, may we be humble and honest to accept our mistakes and shortcomings, and be truly trusting in God’s unconditional mercy and love. Yes, it is better to be presumptuous about God’s love, than to doubt God’s love.

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“If anyone should ever write my life story …” To borrow a line from a song, all that I want to be said is that my whole life is a song of gratitude for God’s goodness and generosity, and especially, mercy. Gratitude is my song, and God’s mercy is the constant tune, as I journey on, and the final note when I finally come before God’s throne.

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As God is merciful, may we, too, become more forgiving, more understanding, and more patient with others. May we not fall into the sin of self-righteousness and spiritual pride.

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As God is merciful, may we, too, be more forgiving, more understanding, and more patient with ourselves. We are all works in progress. May we not fall into the sin of discouragement and hopelessness. Let us continue to focus on God’s journey as we humbly accept our failures, weaknesses, and shortcomings. “Mea Culpa,” yes, but more than that, “Magnificat!” Let us continue to sing of God’s goodness, generosity, and mercy.

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A broken heart is an open heart. It is the poor, the sick, and the sinners who usually are most open to God’s mercy. As for those who are “well,” well, don’t be complacent nor too sure, nor wait until tragedy or misfortune comes before you turn to the Lord’s help and mercy. We all are in need of God’s mercy. We all need to be humble to God, whether we are sick or well.

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Something beautiful has blossomed in an ordinary place in faraway San Remigio, Cebu. The replica of the Capelinha (little chapel) of our Lady of Fatima in Portugal is now attracting many devotees to join every 13th of the month, the 4 a.m. rosary and procession, and the 5 a.m. Mass. This Marian pilgrimage site is making pilgrims come closer to the Lord through the Sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist. Yes, love comes in the most unexpected places, and in the most difficult circumstances, all made possible by God’s grace and mercy.

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Think about this: Life is a series of frames and pictures that are fast and fleeting. Don’t forget the fixtures that stay and remain, and God’s mercy is definitely one of them.

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A moment with the Lord: Lord, remind us that only with Your mercy and love can we have a meaningful closure in life. Amen.

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