The Sunday after Easter, has been declared Divine Mercy Sunday by Pope Saint John Paul II.
On April 30, 2000 John Paul II recognized Mary Faustyna Kowalska as a saint, numbered among the souls in heaven. At the same time he fulfilled one of Saint Faustyna’s requests, that the second Sunday of Easter be reserved to honor and commemorate God’s infinite mercy.
Why the second Sunday of Easter?
Through sin we become spiritually dead and live a darkened existence. But today we recall how Christ established the Sacrament of Reconciliation and imparted to His apostles and their successors the power to forgive sins. Through this sacrament we partake of the divine life of Jesus and share in the vitality of the Resurrection of the Dead. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, and indeed all the sacraments, restore us to life and light.
In the ancient world many of the afflictions we suffer were mysteriously linked to sin. But Jesus extends His mercy to the world by sending His apostles out to heal the sick and drive out unclean spirits. They perform many signs and wonders among the people.
The Lord of Life, who holds the keys to death and the netherworld, gives life through His Church.
As Children of God, we are called to be like Him. How can we demonstrate His mercy in our everyday lives? How can we help to spread that mercy throughout the world? We can start by reconciling our relationships that have become strained or broken. Let us follow in the footsteps of Christ and take the first steps towards healing the divisions among us.
Pax Vobiscum