Second Sunday of Easter Mercy Sunday
Divine Mercy Image
On the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates 'Divine Mercy Sunday''- a feast instituted
by the late Pope John Paul 11.Mercy Sunday is a beautiful feast to
contemplate- it is not magic as some may think, but a chance for those who have
been away from the church to find their way back, for those who have let the
sacrament of Reconciliation slip from their spiritual lives to be renewed, and
for all Catholics to receive the wonderful graces God is offering.
In Today's Gospel, we are also confronted with doubting Thomas- a persona
we can all take on at some point in our spiritual lives. However, like St Thomas we need to be able to say from our
hearts ' My Lord and My God'.
On this second Sunday of Easter, ''Mercy Sunday'', the gospel gives a clear
description of the institution of the sacrament of Reconciliation- Jesus
giving His disciples to forgive sins in His name. Obviously, every priest who
hears confession gives the sign and the words of absolution, but it is Christ
Himself hidden in the priest who hears our sins and gives us
absolution.
As we celebrate Mercy Sunday, let us give thanks to the Lord for
his goodness and everlasting love.
On this Mercy Sunday, let us take the opportunity given us by the Church
to receive a plenary indulgence by receiving communion at Mass, receiving the
Sacrament of Reconciliation (ideally on the day, but can be within a week
before or after the feast) and say the prayers for the Holy Father.
