Both His Wounds and His Peace

In this powerful homily for the Second Sunday of Easter, known as Divine Mercy Sunday, Bishop Robert Barron explores the profound theological tension between Christ's wounds and His peace. Drawing from the Gospel of John, he emphasizes that the risen Jesus simultaneously reveals His crucified wounds and offers the gift of shalom—peace—demonstrating that true Christianity lies not in ignoring sin or downplaying suffering, but in embracing both: the reality of human sinfulness and the boundless mercy of God. The wounds of Christ are not merely symbols of violence but signs of our collective responsibility; they reflect the depth of human sin that led to His death. Yet, in the same breath, Jesus offers forgiveness and peace, showing that no sin is beyond the reach of divine grace. Bishop Barron calls the Church to be a living witness to this dual truth—holding fast to the reality of sin while also breathing out the Holy Spirit’s gift of forgiveness. He illustrates this with poignant examples from history, including the Amish community’s response to tragedy and the forgiveness offered by Charlie Kirk’s widow, underscoring that the Church’s mission is to confront sin without despair and to extend grace without compromise. The homily culminates in a reflection on Thomas’s doubt and the blessing of faith without sight, urging listeners to receive God’s grace not through control or verification, but through humble reception.