A week after the Resurrection, the doors are still locked. Fear lingers, doubt remains. Into that closed room, Jesus enters once again- not with condemnation, but with peace. “Peace be with you,” He says, and then turns to Thomas with a tender invitation: “Put your finger here… do not be unbelieving, but believe” (John 20:27).

Thomas’s journey is deeply relatable. We want to believe, but we wrestle with questions. We long for proof, yet Jesus calls us to trust. And in the end, Thomas’s doubt is transformed into one of the most profound confessions of faith in Scripture: “My Lord and my God!” His encounter reveals the heart of Divine Mercy- a Savior who meets us where we are and offers peace instead of judgment, presence instead of reproach.

Easter Sunday dawns not with trumpet blasts or heavenly choirs, but with quiet footsteps in the dark. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb early, while it is still dark (John 20:1). She finds the stone rolled away- and nothing makes sense. She runs to Peter and John, frantic. When John reaches the tomb and steps inside, he sees the burial cloths- and believes.

What did he see? Nothing but emptiness: no angelic appearance, no risen Jesus- just the folded linen. And yet, that was enough to stir faith. “He saw and believed” (John 20:8).

Palm Sunday begins with cries of “Hosanna!” and ends in silence. It begins with palm branches waving for a king and concludes with a stone-sealed tomb. In the space between is the most profound story ever told: a story not just of suffering, but of love, surrender, and divine purpose.

One striking feature of the Passion narrative in Luke’s Gospel is the quiet strength of Jesus. He speaks, but not much. He accepts betrayal, denial, ridicule, and torture- yet He does not retaliate. When He does speak, it is with authority and compassion: “Father, forgive them,” “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” These are not the words of a victim, but of a Savior.

Lent is a season of surrender- of letting go of what was, so we can receive what God is doing now. In today’s readings, we hear a gentle but firm call to open our hearts to something new. Isaiah proclaims God’s message: “Remember not the events of the past… see, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19). This is not a dismissal of the past, but an invitation to stop living under its shadow. God desires to lead us forward- to water our deserts and revive what feels barren in us.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32) is one of the most profound depictions of God’s mercy. It speaks of rebellion, repentance, and the overwhelming love of a father who never stops waiting for his lost child to return. This parable is not just about one wayward son- it is about all of us.

The younger son, impatient and restless, demands his inheritance and leaves, squandering everything in reckless living. Eventually, he finds himself in misery, longing for the food given to pigs. In this broken state, he realizes the depth of his mistakes and resolves to return home, hoping only to be treated as a servant. This moment of self-awareness is key- he does not try to justify his actions but acknowledges his failure and turns back.

Today’s Gospel (Luke 13:1-9) presents a sobering message from Jesus: “If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” He addresses people who believed that tragic deaths were punishments for grave sin, challenging this notion and redirecting the focus inward. Instead of speculating about the guilt of others, Jesus urges self-examination and conversion. His words remind us that suffering is not necessarily a sign of divine punishment but that every moment of life is an opportunity for repentance.

On the mountain of the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John. As His face shines and His clothing becomes dazzling white, Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, speaking of His impending suffering in Jerusalem. Then, from the cloud, the voice of the Father declares: “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” (Luke 9:35). These words, spoken in majesty, hold deep significance, not just for the apostles but for each of us as we journey through Lent.

The First Sunday of Lent brings us to a defining moment in Jesus’ life- the temptation in the desert (Luke 4:1-13). Led by the Spirit, Jesus fasts for forty days and is then confronted by the devil, who tempts Him with comfort, power, and self-glory. Each time, Jesus responds with the Word of God, rejecting the false promises before Him. This passage offers us a profound lesson on the nature of temptation, the power of God’s Word, and the strength that comes from total dependence on the Father.

Lent is not merely a season of giving things up; it is an invitation to transformation. It is a sacred journey that mirrors Christ’s 40 days in the desert, calling us to deeper conversion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. More than a time of restriction, Lent is a time of renewal- a chance to reorient our hearts toward God, stripping away distractions so that we may encounter Him more fully.

Today’s Gospel (Luke 6:27-38) presents one of the most radical teachings of Jesus: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This command is difficult to live out, yet it is at the heart of Christian discipleship. Jesus calls us to a love that goes beyond human instinct- a love that mirrors the boundless mercy of God.

In today’s readings, we encounter a contrast between two ways of living: one rooted in trust in human strength and another founded on trust in God. The prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 17:5-8) vividly illustrates this contrast: “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” Such a person is like a barren bush in the desert, isolated and lifeless. In contrast, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.” This person is like a tree planted beside water, resilient and fruitful even in times of drought.

Put Out into Deep Water The Gospel for today (Luke 5:1-11) presents a striking moment in Simon Peter’s life- one that changes everything. After a long, fruitless night of fishing, Jesus instructs him to “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Initially hesitant, Peter obeys, and the result is overwhelming: a miraculous catch of fish, so abundant that the nets begin to tear. In awe and humility, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees, confessing his unworthiness. Yet, Jesus calls him beyond his self-doubt: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” This passage invites us to reflect on trust, obedience, and the call to deeper discipleship.

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a profound moment of encounter and revelation. Mary and Joseph bring their child, Jesus, to the temple, obedient to the Law of Moses. Yet, what unfolds is far beyond a simple ritual—it is the fulfillment of God’s promises and a moment of transformation for all who behold Him.