EXTRA
What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
On April 30, 2000, His Holiness John Paul II, in response to the wishes of the Christian faithful, declared that “the Second Sunday of Easter henceforth throughout the Church will also be called Divine Mercy Sunday.” The desire for this celebration was expressed by Our Lord to Saint Faustina as can be found in her Diary (§699):”… My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession, and receive Holy Communion on this day shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment…”
Having celebrated Jesus’ resurrection last week at Easter, we now hear of His first appearance to His apostles after that event.
The Second Sunday of Easter can be called Saint Thomas’ Easter since he was not present at the first appearance of the risen Lord.
Thomas’ response is the most complete affirmation of Christ’s nature to be found on the lips of anyone in the gospel.
Jesus reintegrated Thomas back into the community spoken of in the 1st reading.
This final verse summarizes the purpose of the gospel as having faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God as the source of eternal life.
Prodigal Catholic 