Sunday, April 19
Divine Mercy Sunday
Daily Meditation
Do you know the joy of the resurrection?
The Risen Lord Jesus revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples gradually and over time. Even after the apostles saw the empty tomb and heard the reports of Jesus’ appearance to the women, they were still weak in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus appeared to them, he offered proof of his resurrection by showing them the wounds of his passion, his pierced hands and side. He calmed their fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners and makes us friends of God.
Divine Mercy Sunday
In his homily on Mercy Sunday in 2001, Pope John Paul II called the Mercy message given to St. Faustina “The appropriate and incisive answer that God wanted to offer to the questions and expectations of human beings in our time, marked by terrible tragedies…. Divine Mercy! This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity at the dawn of the third millennium.”
John Paul II worked and spoke about the need for us to turn to the mercy of God as the answer to the specific problems of our times. He placed such a strong and significant focus on the Divine Mercy message and devotion throughout his pontificate that it continues today.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus,
through your victory over sin and death
you have overcome all the powers of sin and darkness.
Help me to draw near to you and to trust in your life-giving word.
Fill me with your Holy Spirit and strengthen my faith
in your promises and my hope in the power of your resurrection.
Amen.
