Today is known as the Sunday of Divine Mercy, so designated by Saint Pope John Paul ll. We have entered into the joy of the Easter Season and are called to reflect upon the great gift of God’s mercy. I’ve heard mercy described as forgiveness beyond what can be reasonably expected. I think that is a fitting description, since Jesus has made our forgiveness possible; He has done the unexpected and repaired the breach that existed since the fall of Adam and Eve, thus making our salvation possible. All this is beyond what we humans could accomplish or should expect.
Many of us pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet every day which helps us remember the unfathomable mercy Saint Faustina describes in her diary. If you’ve read her book you know it’s not an easy read. But I believe it is worth the effort. Her diary has made the chaplet familiar to many people. We’ll never know all the good this prayer has brought about until we join St. Faustina in heaven. You can join others in this prayer today at Sacred Heart Parish in Polonia where many gather together to recite the chaplet and celebrate Mass. There is also the gift of a plenary indulgence offered to those who receive Holy Communion, go to confession, and pray for the Holy Father on this day. A plenary indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to one’s sins as long as the requirements listed above are met. The indulgence can be offered for someone who has died, so they may be forgiven for any sins they committed on earth and be released from purgatory to enter into Heaven. This is God’s mercy in action! Sacred Heart has a poster in the entryway of the church with details on this event. It’s a great way to help someone you knew and loved get to Heaven. And if you have helped someone in this way, you can ask them to pray for you to assist you on your journey to Heaven!
Live the Easter joy!
Deacon Ray