2nd Sunday of Easter – What does Divine Mercy Look Like?

The passage selected for this 2nd Sunday from the Acts of the Apostles depicts Divine Mercy as the healing of greed. This is one of the key themes in the writings of St. Luke:

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need. [Acts 4:32-35]

Luke connects the Apostles’ witness to the Lord Jesus’ resurrection with the disciples selling their property for the sake of the new community of followers.

Some who call this socialism, I believe, see possessions and property as the primary “given” in life, the central right and title to defend. I wonder whether my buy-in to this so-called reality isn’t my way to not just protect my right to “have” but also a ploy to deny the profound emptiness inside I fear.

Take away fear and there’s little to protect.

Divine Mercy heals fear completely.