Sunday of Divine Mercy
Dear brothers and sisters,
Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!
Today is an extension of Easter Sunday, called the Easter octave. We celebrate the resurrection of the Lord as one day that is celebrated eight days in a row. This particular Sunday was designated as Divine Mercy Sunday by Saint Pope John Paul II in the year 2000 as he was canonizing St. Faustina. As a fun fact, I was going to be ordained a priest on this feast day April 2, 2005, but unfortunately St. Pope John Paul II passed away that same day so my ordination was postponed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help! I probably needed more help than Mercy! Yet in my experience, I need much more mercy! Anyway, God knows better.
But why is it Divine Mercy Sunday? One of the main reasons is because of today's Gospel: "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Jn 20:22-23. This is one of the foundations of the sacrament of reconciliation. It is important to note that this is said not only of Peter, but of all the apostles. Jesus chose to deliver mercy and forgiveness through men who also need mercy. Not because they are better or worse, but because of His LOVE for us. That is why I can’t encourage you enough to seek out this wonderful sacrament.
Today is also a BIG day because of our brothers and sisters who are going to be received into the Catholic Church, and receive first communion and confirmation! This is a great joy for all of us! But especially for themselves! It has been such a privilege and a joy to be able to see the work of God and his grace in their lives. In a time when so many young people do not take seriously the first and fundamental commandment, which is to love God above everything, it is so moving and awe inspiring to see so many of them as all of you that little by little try to have God as their number one! As the central and fundamental aspect of their life. Let us pray and congratulate them for this great grace.
God bless you!
Fr. Carlos Keen
