The reading from the Book of Revelation speaks of the “endurance we have in Jesus”: perseverance in the face of adversity.

It’s Divine Mercy Sunday in a year dedicated to mercy. What better time to talk about Apocalypse?

The disciples had gathered together. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

When I was a boy playing the back yards of the old neighborhood, my friend Hillel, who lived across the alley, would just stop in the middle of whatever we were playing—kick the can, red rover, whatever—and shout out, “WHO IS HAVING MORE FUN THAN WE ARE?”

With faith in God’s forgiveness, we ask for God’s mercy.

The reading from Acts shows the apostles were doing a good job of fulfilling the commission Jesus had given them in the gospel: representing him to the world. There they were, healing people and bringing many to faith in Christ.

Above all, attention shall be paid to the care of the sick, so that they shall be served as if they were Christ himself. —Saint Benedict (c. 480-c. 547)