Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, and our Church has stated the following about this great feast: “During the Church’s millennium celebration in 2000, Pope John Paul II declared that the Second Sunday of Easter be known as ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’. Prior to this celebration, the Pope also wrote a profound encyclical called ‘Rich in Mercy’. This encyclical explained the doctrinal and scriptural foundations for our understanding of mercy. Our Holy Father looked to a holy woman of Poland, Sr. Faustina, for inspiration. He canonized Sr. Faustina at that same Mass in 2000 at which he instituted the observance of Divine Mercy Sunday. He also clearly articulated the essential message that Jesus gave to Sr. Faustina and the message is that the graces of His mercy are greater than the stains of our sins.”
As we have noted in the past, it may seem unusual that Divine Mercy Sunday comes so soon after the season of Lent. After all, is not Lent the season to focus on repentance and mercy? Well, our Church believes that the timing is most appropriate because Jesus’ message to Faustina reminds us that there is no limit to his mercy for those who truly believe, for those who humbly ask for forgiveness. His mercy is not limited by boundaries. It is not impacted by seasonal limitations. This was his message to Faustina, and this is his message to us.
Pope Francis expressed his devotion to the spirituality of mercy promoted by Pope John Paul II. In an address for Divine Mercy Sunday in 2024, as reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis focused on the Apostles, who were despondent after the death of Jesus. He stated, “The Risen One comes to them and shows them his wounds. They were the signs of suffering and pain, they could stir feelings of guilt, yet with Jesus they become channels of mercy and forgiveness.”
As we reflect on these words, in these difficult and uncertain times, we are challenged to truly appreciate this day and reflect a spirit of mercy and forgiveness in our lives.
The following “Prayer for Divine Mercy’s Embrace” provided by media contributor Mason Caldwell reflects the desire for the mercy that God extends to us:
Dear Lord,
on this Divine Mercy Sunday,
we humbly seek Your boundless compassion
Help us to extend this divine mercy to others, fostering love and forgiveness.
Fill us with hope and grace, guiding us to trust in Your eternal kindness. Amen.
As we celebrate this day, we invite our parishioners and friends to join us to embrace the generous gift of God’s mercy in a humble spirit of thanksgiving.