Divine Mercy Sunday April 23
The Sunday after Easter used to be called “Low Sunday” in that it was less triumphant than Easter. During the pontificate of Pope Saint John Paul II, the devotion begun by Sister (now Saint) Faustina of Poland became popularized by the Holy Father. Today it has become one of the most beloved meditative prayers of the Church.
The pastoral region of St. Ann and Sacred Heart will celebrate the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Ann. Bring a rosary to count the decades. If you wish to enhance your experience of celebrating the sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, listen to it being prayed on Sacred Heart Radio or pull it up with your browser on the internet.
Thank You!
I am very grateful to all the volunteers at St. Ann and Sacred Heart who made it possible to celebrate the many Holy Week ceremonies and Easter festivities at both parishes. Thank you to everyone who helped.
Reflection on Scripture
“We believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.” These words from the creed say it all. Jesus Christ physically died on the cross on Calvary. The soldier stabbed his side with a lance and blood and pericardial fluid (water) flowed out. Jesus was truly dead. His body was placed in the tomb. But he physically rose from the dead. Thomas even asked to examine the nail marks and wounded side. He ate fish in the presence of his disciples.
Over the years since the resurrection of Jesus, there have always been those who deny the reality. The Gnostics said Jesus was never really flesh and blood, so he never died. The Ariens said he was never Divine (only adopted by God). If Jesus was not Divine, then God has not expiated our sins, as only God can. If Jesus was never human, there is no incarnation and thus no expiation. To be a true follower of Christ, we must embrace and believe the words of the “Credo” (which is Latin for “I believe!”). “We believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.”
Readings for Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Acts 2:42-47
1 Pt 1:3-9
Jn 20:19-31
Theme: Faith in God’s Mercy