The Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts 5:12-16, Rev. 1:9-11.12-13.17-19, Jn 20:19-31. On this Second Sunday of Easter, the Church invites us to celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy, as instituted by Pope St John Paul II on the occasion of the canonisation of the Polish nun, St Faustina Kowalska on the 30th of April 2000 to whom the Lord in a new way entrusted with the message of Divine Mercy. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is part of this great patrimony which has continued to change lives and lead millions of people to a renewed encounter with the mercy of God. We are reminded today through this important Feast and also through the Sacred Scriptures, of the reason we celebrate so joyfully this Easter, not just for one day but for one entire season lasting fifty days until Pentecost Sunday. Today's readings present us with the fruits of Divine Mercy at work; the Mercy which we experience in full in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the fruits of the experience of God’s mercy is love and love at work is charity. This was very clear in first and second reading as the rays of charity continued to glow among the disciples that “none of their members was ever in want;” and as the disciples continued to witness to this love in the observance of God’s commandments.

Another fruit of this unique experience of the divine is the ability to witness to this fount of mercy. In today's Gospel, the Apostles “Continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power.” A collective fruit to all those who have successfully experienced the Victimhood of Mercy of the Easter glory is unity of purpose, in heart and in soul; the unity that transforms us concretely into the Family of God. Our experience of the Divine Mercy springs within us the conviction to profess our faith wherever we are and in whatever condition we find ourselves, this experience clears our doubt and leads us to exclaim like Thomas: “My Lord and my God.” An encounter with the Divine Mercy brings us peace and leads us to be agents of peace. That same peace which Jesus bequeathed to His disciples “Peace be with you.” Inner peace is the sure lot of anybody who comes in contact with Divine Mercy. An experience of Divine Mercy brings within us the gift of the Holy Spirit who is the principal agent in the Church’s exercise of the ministry of mercy. This is made manifest in the words of absolution during confession when the Priest says “and sent the Holy Spirit amongst us for the forgiveness of sins.” As we celebrate the free gift of God’s mercy to us, it is a great opportunity to renew within ourselves the superabundance mercy of God that never ceases and that is renewed for us every morning.

May our daily experience of the mercy of God rejuvenate anew within us the joy of the mysteries we celebrate! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!