Divine Mercy Sunday Is Today

Today, a new day has dawned for you.
A fresh start.

The second Sunday of Easter, proclaimed by Pope Saint John Paul II, is known as Divine Mercy Sunday.

It is a magnificent feast day for the Holy Church. Why? Because the Sacred Heart of Jesus is ready to forgive all who approach Him. All sin, all misery and all sadness are wiped away if you come with a contrite spirit.

First, we must be open to God's Mercy. Second, we must forgive others and seek their forgiveness. Third, we must go to Jesus, ask for His Mercy, then proclaim God's graciousness to us.

Today's Gospel reading is about trust and God's Mercy. Jesus appears to the disciples after the Resurrection, saying "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

But Thomas isn't there to see Him. A week later the disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

Then he said 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.”

Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Jesus was patient with Thomas. Jesus is patient with us. Trust in Him!

Good and Glorious God, today we celebrate the feast of Your Most Benevolent Divine Mercy that is Your greatest attribute and exemplary of Your Love for us. Please heal us through Your Goodness as we honor You today by:

• Acknowledging our sins and sinful ways and having sorrow for them.
• Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance.
• Receiving Holy Communion.
• Venerating the image of Divine Mercy.
• Being merciful and compassionate with others.
• Rejoicing, for God's Mercy is limitless.

Do each of the above points today, April 23.

This Feast emerged from the very depths of My mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of My tender mercies. Every soul believing and trusting in My mercy will obtain it. (Diary entry 420)

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Go to your parish church and ask that the Chaplet of Divine Mercy become part of the daily devotions offered. Urge your pastor to include opportunities to pray the Chaplet as a group on special feast days and at church events. 


Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to save souls.