Share His blessings with others...
Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Divine Mercy (April 28, 2019): ACTS 5:12-16; PS 118:2-4,13-15,22-24; REV 1:9-11,12-13,17-19; JN 20:19-31
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
On this Second Sunday of Easter we also honor the Feast of the Divine Mercy or Divine Mercy Sunday.
The feast itself is less than two decades old and was established by Pope St. John Paul II in response to the boundless mercy of Christ, particularly as revealed to St. Faustina, a young Polish nun in the 1930s. In a series of apparitions, our Lord said He wanted the world to have a better appreciation of His Divine Mercy in calling all souls to Himself. He also asked that the Church designate this feast. Yet we must also understand that Our Savior’s mercy and compassion has been proclaimed since His time on earth. Moreover, Scriptures have always emphasized the care of God for His children. “Let the house of Israel say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’ Let the house of Aaron say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’ Let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His mercy endures forever.’… This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” (Psalm 118:2-4, 24).
Today’s readings remind us of God’s desire to show His mercy to every single person who approaches Him in a spirit of humility, repentance and trust. Let us all of us join with St. Thomas as he recognized the Risen Christ in proclaiming, “My Lord and my God!”
Suggested missionary action: We can thank God for His gift of Divine Mercy both in prayer and by showing our mercy to others – including those who have injured us and want our forgiveness, as well as those who are in need of our help in practical ways, even half a world away.
