Divine Mercy Sunday! (April 19, 2020)

Sunday, April 19th, 2020

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday , a high feast day recognized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 based on the life and visions of Saint Faustina. On this day, we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.

"Jesus, I trust in you!"

Readings & Reflections

Doubting Thomas & Divine Mercy- Catholic Kids Cartoons!

Divine Mercy Sunday Mass

(Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Divine Mercy Mass

(Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Boston)

April 19th Readings & Video (EWTN)

April 19th Readings (USCCB)

Reading 1

Acts 2:42-47

"All who believed were together and had all things in common..."

In the First Reading, we witness the great fellowship and sense of community that grew among the early Christians after Jesus' resurrection. As they devoutly and fervently practiced their faith, they saw not only their numbers grow but miracles occur! In this reading we can clearly see one of the four marks of the church being personified through the early Christians devotion- the mark of unity. The early Christians were on fire with love of Jesus! It became the foundation of their lives and the center of all that they did.

As we begin the Easter season, may we also experience a profound renewal of faith!

Reflection: Looking at your life right now, what would you say your top 3 priorities are? How might your life change if your faith in Jesus was at the heart of everything you did?

Psalm 118 (Music)

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!"

Today's psalm is a continuation of last week's Psalm 118! How perfect that on Divine Mercy Sunday we take the time to rejoice in the goodness of God and thank Him for all He has done for us.

Reading 2

1 Peter 1:3-9

"Although you have not seen him you love him;

even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,

you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,

as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

In this epistle letter believed to be written by Saint Peter, we are reminded that times of trial and great struggle are an opportunity for us to grow in faith and to reveal Jesus. Even though these times are difficult and might cause us pain, we rejoice because we know that our goal is heaven and that here on earth we have a duty to reveal Jesus to others. There is great JOY ahead!

Reflection: What has been the most challenging part of this pandemic? How can you see it as an opportunity to offer up your sufferings for the redemption of souls?

Gospel

John 20:19-31

"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Reflection: What did you think was the most interesting or surprising part of this story? Do you see yourself more as the apostles who readily believed or as "Doubting Thomas" who needed proof? Are you ready to be an example of peace and forgiveness to others?

What an incredible moment! While locked in the Upper Room, Jesus comes to the apostles not once but TWICE in his resurrected body! We are given evidence that Jesus' body is no longer limited by earthly restraints in that it states that the doors were locked both times when Jesus entered the room. However, we are also given proof that it is Jesus by what he says and by the revealing of his wounds to "Doubting Thomas".

One of the most powerful parts of this reading is that Jesus comes to the apostles in peace . To these men who had abandoned him upon his arrest, he offers not only peace but also forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit. On this Divine Mercy Sunday , may this moment be a powerful reminder to us to offer peace and forgiveness to all so that we may continue to do God's work and build up the Church!