HOMILY | Graduation Mass – San Carlos Seminary College

Acts 2:42–47 | 1 Peter 1:3–9 | John 20:19–31

Today, Divine Mercy Sunday, the Gospel brings us into a locked room. The disciples are afraid. They have failed. They are uncertain about the future.

And into that locked room, Jesus comes… and His first words are: “Peace be with you.” Not condemnation. Not disappointment. But peace. That is Divine Mercy.

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My dear seminarians, in a very real way, this Gospel is your story. There will be moments in your life—perhaps even in your ministry—when you will feel like those disciples: afraid of what lies ahead, burdened by your weaknesses, and unsure if you are enough.

And maybe, at times, you will want to “lock the door.” But remember this: Jesus does not wait outside. He enters. And He brings mercy.

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Today is also a moment of transition for all of you. Some of you will continue your journey—entering Theology, moving closer to the priesthood. Others may discern a different path—leaving the seminary and embracing another vocation in life.

And that is not a failure. That too is grace. Because vocation is not about staying or leaving. It is about listening… and responding faithfully to where God is calling you.

And this is important: Whether you become priests…or whether you serve God in another state of life…All of you are called to be agents of God’s mercy.

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In the Gospel, Jesus shows them His wounds. This is very important. He does not hide His wounds—He transforms them. Why? Because mercy flows from wounded love. And this is your vocation.

You are not called to be perfect men. You are called to be merciful men.

Men who understand weakness -because you have experienced it. Men who can forgive—because you have been forgiven.

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In the second reading, St. Peter says: “Although you have not seen Him, you love Him… you rejoice with an indescribable joy.”

This is faith. Not seeing—but trusting.

Not having everything clear—but still following.

My dear graduates, you are stepping into a future that is not fully certain. Some of you are sure. Some of you are still discerning. But faith is not about having all the answers. Faith is trusting that the One who calls you… walks with you.

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And then the first reading gives us a beautiful picture of the early Church:

“They devoted themselves…They lived in communion…They shared…They broke bread…They were filled with joy…”

This is a Church born from mercy. And this is the Church you are called to build—wherever you are.

Not a perfect Church—but a Church that listens, a Church that walks together, a Church that forgives, a Church that shares.

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Allow me to leave you with one simple challenge: Be ministers of mercy.

When people come to you, they may not always need answers, and they may not always need solutions. But they will always need mercy. A listening heart. A patient presence. A forgiving spirit.

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And finally, remember Thomas. He doubted. He struggled. But Jesus did not reject him. Instead, Jesus came back… just for him. That is mercy.

So when you encounter people who doubt, who struggle, who are far from God—Do not push them away. Be the presence of Christ who returns… and says, “Peace be with you.”

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My dear seminarians, as you graduate today, you are not simply completing a stage. You are being entrusted with a mission: To bring Divine Mercy into a wounded world.

Go forth—whether as future priests,

or as faithful disciples in another vocation—not as perfect men, but as men who have encountered mercy…and are ready to share it.