The days leading to the passion, death and resurrection must have been very confusing for the disciples. They thought it was bad news when Jesus decided to enter Jerusalem. After all, He always said that it meant his death. It turned out to be good news that he was warmly received and given a king’s welcome. Then they had the Passover which was supposed to be a happy occasion, but then Jesus breaks the bad news – one of you will betray me. This was followed by bad news when Jesus was picked up by the authorities and made to suffer, and eventually died on the cross. Then the good news after three days that his body was not in the tomb and even the linens were rolled up. In the Jewish tradition that meant, “I will return”. The bad news of seeing a ghost, was followed by the final good news Jesus showed himself to Mary Magdelene, two disciples on their way to Emmaus and to the apostles. Amidst all the confusion, how beautiful are the words of Christ, repeated three times – “PEACE BE WITH YOU!”

How do we find peace in troubled and confusing times?

• First, Good will always prevail. For the opponents of Jesus, it was one lie after the other until he was nailed on the cross. They even said his body was stolen by his disciples. Yet, Christ has risen and the mission he has given to the apostles is still in existence up to now. The Church continues to spread the good news of God to all nations. When life seems to be dominated by evil, be peaceful, God is not quiet, He cannot be mocked, and He is always working in ways we do not know.
• Second, God has a plan. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. His Son, Jesus, had to undergo His passion and death on the cross and after that rise from the dead. In the eyes of the world, life at times does not make sense. In God’s eyes, He has a plan. When life does not make sense, be peaceful, God has a plan. 
• Third, God is alive.  Because He has resurrected, this reminds us that there is eternal life. Hence, life on earth is only passing and fleeting. When we are overwhelmed by so many things in this world, be peaceful, we are only passing by and someday we will only leave behind all earthly possessions. Yes, we came into this world with nothing and we are leaving this world with nothing.

This weekend, we will we celebrate Diving Mercy Sunday. It is a reminder that in a life wherein nothing is certain, God has a plan, Good will always prevail and he will do everything for our eternal life. Yes, Divine Mercy reminds us that the mercy of God is far as the East is to the West.