Second Sunday After Easter: Misericordias Domini
On this Sunday after Easter, we look forward to the two events yet to come: Ascension and Pentecost. The readings for this Sunday lead us from the joys of Christ’s resurrection to the realistic viewpoint of our life as Christians, that is, sheep following the Good Shepherd through this vale of tears. For in order to one day rejoice with the choirs of heaven, we need to live in Word and Sacraments, fight against sin, error and temptation, and carry out God’s loving will as we deal with those around us. We live in no paradise, but with thorns and weeks, sin and temptation, unbelief and persecution. The Christian life is hard, difficult, and full of suffering, combat and testing. Yet, we also “Rejoice” because of the peace and hope that the risen Christ gives us.
The Introit: “Misericordias Domini” is translated as “the goodness of the Lord” in the Introit. The phrase means “the mercy of God.” Spring-time shows us God’s goodness in warm weather and rain. With the budding trees and flowering plants, nature testifies to the life of the risen Savior—He who died now lives. As the Victor over death, our Good Shepherd leads us to the waters and pastures that feed our souls and gives us spiritual life.
The Collect: This prayer bases our request on “the humiliation of Your Son.” For as the Good Shepherd, Jesus laid down His life for the sheep in order that they may be raised to have joy and hope in Him. We do not ask for earthly ease or comfort; but that Jesus, whose death delivered us “from the danger of everlasting death,” would keep us in the faith until we can “partake of eternal joys” in heaven.
The Epistle: Peter calls on us to be like Jesus when facing trials. Just as He did not revile those who crucified Him, or lie to His judges; but carried our sins to the cross to pay their ransom. So we also ought to “live for righteousness.” This righteousness is what Jesus earned for us by His stripes and death. Though we went astray, like sheep, God has returned us to the Shepherd of our souls, who cares for us.
The Gradual first refers to two Emmaus disciples who recognized Jesus when they ate with Him. The second statement refers to the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, and they know Him. Jesus knew what instruction the two disciples needed in order to understand Christ’s death and resurrection. He also knows our needs and assures us in His Word of His resurrection and His loving care for His sheep.