A GOD WHO IS MERCY

Dear parishioners,

It is the Second Sunday of Easter and the last day in the Octave of Easter. Since April 30th, 2000, the Second Sunday of Easter has been reserved for the proclamation and celebration of the Mercy of God. We celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, in fidelity to the request Our Lord Jesus made to St. Maria Faustina Kowalska.

We are fortunate to celebrate God’s mercy in this season of Easter because mercy is one of the fruits of Christ’s death and resurrection. Christ died and rose for the salvation of humanity. Mercy flows from his cross, from the blood and water that gushed forth from his wounded side. And what perfect time to celebrate this gift of mercy other than the season of joy when Christ destroyed sin and death and won the world’s salvation?

Mercy is one attribute of God that is fundamental to his identity. It is inconceivable to think of God without mercy. It is because of God's mercy that we still are, despite our rebellion, through sin, for God will always be true to his identity. As I mentioned to you during my Easter homily, God will not stop until he sees us in heaven.

In requesting for this Feast of Mercy, Our Lord speaks of his mercy as an ocean that cannot be exhausted or depleted. And this ocean flows ceaselessly, but in a special way on this day, when we celebrate God's Mercy. Christ tells St. Faustina, that souls that plunge themselves in this ocean of mercy will have their sins forgiven. Our Lord tells St. Faustina that souls that would trust in his mercy, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, pray the Novena in preparation for the Feast of Mercy, and perform acts of mercy will receive pardon for their sins, as well as the temporal punishment due to sin.

As such, I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to implore the Lord’s mercy, for yourselves, for your family, and for the entire world. Let us ask the Lord to heal our world wounded by our sin and to restore to us the peace we have long lost due to our rebellion. For the sake of his sorrowful passion…Have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Finally, always remember the ABC of mercy:
 

A stands for Ask for mercy

B stands for Be merciful.

C stands for Completely Trust.
 

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!

Fr. Julius