Today is the Second Sunday of Easter and also called “Divine Mercy Sunday.” I will be honest with you and tell you I’ve had a hard time understanding the Divine Mercy part. Of course Jesus is merciful – he’s Jesus! When I had my business, I refused to have a “Customer Appreciation Day.” Why? Not because I didn’t appreciate my customers, but because I did not want my employees to think they only had to be nice to our customers one day a year. EVERY DAY was Customer Appreciation Day! I still smirk when see other businesses doing that. In today’s Gospel, we hear the familiar story of Thomas. Doubting Thomas. And yet, the story really isn’t about Thomas, is it? The story is how Jesus is merciful to his disciples. They ran away from him. They denied him. They were afraid. They had forgotten everything Jesus had taught them. If that were me, I’d probably get mad and want to get up in their faces. But what does Jesus say? “Peace be with you.” Jesus knew what a bunch of weak-kneed people he was dealing with. (I’m talking about me, not the disciples. Well, okay, maybe them too.) Jesus never mentioned their fears or weaknesses; he only gave them his peace. Because peace was what they needed more than anything. They knew how they had let Jesus down when he needed them the most. And they were so confused about what his life really was about. What did they understand about the resurrection? Very little at all. So Jesus, in his perfect mercy, gives hem exactly what he needs the most: Peace. How many time in my life have I not really understood why I was so upset? And when I was given the gift of peace, all my cares drifted away. I try to remember this as a parent, grandparent and as a friend. The people I encounter may be dealing with…who knows what?! And what could I possibly do or say to help them? So I try to offer them peace. Sometimes that's all I can do! I try to find the words that tells them that it is the peace of Christy I am offering. They may or may not hear that part, but it is the Divine Mercy that I extend. Every Day.