Here, you will find a collection of reflections, guide questions, images and slide backgrounds — all crafted to enhance and elevate your celebration of the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday).
The Gist of John 20:19-31
Following Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples are gathered in a locked room in fear. Jesus appears among them, offering peace and showing his wounds. Thomas, initially skeptical, encounters Jesus later and, upon seeing and touching the wounds, professes his belief, prompting Jesus to affirm the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.
Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.
John 20:21
Locked Doors, Fear, & Doubt
In today’s Gospel from John 20:19-31, we witness the disciples locked in fear, uncertain of the truth amid rumors of Christ’s resurrection. Similarly, in our digital age, the sea of information on social media often leaves us questioning what is real and what is not.
The disciples’ room, though locked, became a space of encounter with the risen Christ. Likewise, in the vast expanse of social media, discernment becomes our key. The virtual doors may be wide open, but the challenge is to distinguish truth from falsehood. Like Thomas, we must not shy away from questioning, but let our doubts lead us to seek authentic understanding.
Doubt Meets Divine Truth
Jesus’ scars, visible and tangible, provided proof of truth to Thomas. In the digital realm, we encounter a myriad of narratives, some genuine, others mere illusions. The scars of credibility lie in fact-checking, reliable sources, and critical thinking. Be the Thomas of the internet, demanding evidence and authenticity before embracing information.
The risen Christ offered peace, calming the disciples’ troubled hearts. Likewise, cultivating a serene online presence means filtering the noise and engaging in conversations that uplift rather than deceive. Let your virtual spaces be filled with the peace that comes from fostering truth and understanding.
God is Sending Us on a Mission
Jesus commissions us, not just externally but internally. We’re sent into the digital wilderness, bearing peace and truth. Before posting on social media, ask yourself: Is this information compatible with love and kindness? Is the source credible and reliable? Does it align with consistent narratives or facts? Have I verified the evidence behind it? Does it align with Jesus’ values?
Practice fact-checking and critical thinking. Be a responsible digital citizen, spreading truth rather than falsehood. Embrace doubt, but let it lead you to deeper truth. Be discerning, for the resurrected Christ walks beside you, even in the pixels and hashtags. May your digital presence reflect His love, and may you discern truth from falsehood, one click at a time.
Thomas’ doubt did not hinder his encounter with divine truth but became a gateway to a more profound faith. In our quest for understanding, we must remember that doubt, when approached with humility, can lead to a deeper revelation of the divine truths that anchor our faith.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Reflective Questions for Spiritual Growth
- How often do I find myself behind “locked doors” of fear or insecurity in my digital life? What fears prevent me from engaging authentically online? Am I willing to invite Jesus into those spaces, seeking His peace and guidance as I navigate social media?
- Consider Thomas’s doubt and Jesus’s response. Reflect on moments when doubt creeps into your online interactions. How can you approach doubt with openness rather than condemnation?
- Imagine touching Jesus’s wounds. What “wounds” do you encounter on social media – misinformation, negativity, or divisive content? How can you engage with empathy and discernment?
Free Social Images & Slides to Share
Feel free to download and share the following images on your social media platforms. Slide backgrounds are available for use in various presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, and others:
