Divine Mercy Sunday

2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday

April 16, 2023

Liturgy of the Word -- Acts 2:42-47; Ps. 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Pt. 1:3-9; Jn. 20:19-31. 

 1. Some Notes on Divine Mercy Sunday -- Celebrated on the Octave of Easter, this Sunday is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938; see her Diary). In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina and declared that the 2nd Sunday of Easter "will be called Divine Mercy Sunday." St. John Paul II also enriched the devout observance of this Sunday with a plenary indulgence, granted with the usual conditions (Confession, Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), reciting the Our Father and the Creed before the Blessed Sacrament, exposed or reserved, and adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord, such as, "Merciful Jesus, I trust in you." 

 2. The Divine Mercy Image is based on a vision that St. Faustina had in 1931. Jesus is raising his right hand in blessing annd pointing with his left hand on his chest from which flow forth two rays: one red and one translucent white. The red rays symbolize the blood of Jesus, and the white rays the water that "justifies souls." The whole image is symbolic of charity, forgiveness, and love of God -- the "Fountain of Mercy." The image depicts Jesus at the moment he appears to the disciples in the Upper Room after the Resurrection which empowers them to forgive or retain sins (see our Gospel today, Jn. 20:19- 31). 

 3. St. Faustina's chaplet of Divine Mercy, recited at 3:00pm, the "hour of divine mercy," is one of the most popular devotions in the world. 

 4. Liturgy of the Word -- 1st Reading, Acts 2:42-47 -- the first of two "summary passages," along with Acts 4:32-37. These summary passages describe the chief characteristics of the early Christian community of Jerusalem at the time of the Apostles. "They devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to breaking bread in their homes (v. 42). Awe came upon everyone and many wonders and signs were done through the Apostles (v. 43). All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need (vv.44-45). Everyday they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And everyday the Lord added to their number those who were being saved" (vv. 46-47). 

 5. These then are the chief characteristics of the early Christian community: adherence to the teachings of the Apostles; celebration of the Holy Eucharist, "breaking the bread"; a system of distribution of goods (the rich sharing with the poor); continued attendance at the temple. 

 6. Resp. Ps. 118:2-4, 13-15 , 22-24 -- A Hymn of Thanksgiving. "Let Israel (the house of Aaron and those who fear the Lord) say: his mercy endures forever" (vv. 2-4). "I was hardpressed and falling, but the Lord came to my help. The Lord, my strength and might, he became my savior" (vv. 13-15). "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done.... This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad" (vv. 22-24). 

 7. 2nd Reading, 1 Pt. 1:3-9 -- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (v. 3). He gave us a new rebirth to a salvation "in the final time." In this you rejoice, but you still have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuiness of your faith may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (vv. 4-7). "Although you have not seen him, you love him... you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (vv. 8-9). 

 8. Gospel, Jn. 20:19-31 -- On the 1st day of the week, Jesus appears to the disciples, who have locked the doors for fear of the Jews. He says to them, "Peace be with you" (v. 19). He shows them his hands and his side. They rejoice because they now see Jesus in person (vv. 19-20). Jesus says to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you" (v. 21). He breathes on them and tells them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retained are retained" (vv. 22-23). 

 9. Thomas, named Didymus, is absent. The other disciples tell him, "We have seen the Lord." But he says to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (vv. 24-25). A week later, Jesus comes to them again, "although the doors were locked." He greets them, "Peace be with you" (v. 26). Then he says to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe" (v. 27). Thomas answers, "My Lord and my God!" (v. 28). Jesus tells Thomas, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed" (v. 29). 

 10. Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in John's book. "But these are written, that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name" (v. 31). 

 11. Prayer -- God of ever-living mercy, in the very recurrence of the paschal feast, you kindle the faith of your own people . Grant, we pray, that the grace you have bestowed on us may increase and that all may rightly understand in whose Spirit they have been reborn, through whose Blood they have been redeemed. This we pray, through Christ our Risen Lord. Amen. (Collect of today's Holy Mass, simplified). 

 A blessed Easter to one and all, halleluiah, halleluiah!!! 

 Prayers, best wishes, God bless!