Scott Hahn, founder of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, reflected on the significance of the Sunday of Divine Mercy in a commentary released on Apr. 10. Hahn emphasized that Christians are “children of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead,” and described this event as a sign of great mercy that offers believers new birth.
Hahn’s reflection draws attention to how early Christians lived their faith, noting that they devoted themselves to teachings, daily prayer, and celebrating “the breaking of the bread.” He said these actions mirror practices still observed by believers today.
In his commentary, Hahn discussed biblical accounts where the apostles encountered Jesus after his resurrection. He said that through these encounters, Jesus conferred upon them a mission to extend God’s mercy to all people. According to Hahn, “We must walk by faith and not by sight, must believe and love what we have not seen.”
Hahn also pointed out parallels between these scriptural events and elements found in Christian liturgy. He noted that appearances of Jesus described in scripture occurred on Sundays—days when disciples gathered together much like modern worshipers do at Mass.
The reflection concluded with an emphasis on enduring themes within Christian worship: “In the Mass, God’s mercy endures forever,” he wrote. Hahn is also known as author of ‘Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (and Still Does)’.
The broader message centers around maintaining faith even without direct evidence and continuing traditions established by early followers—a perspective echoed throughout Hahn’s analysis.
