2nd Sunday of Easter | 11 April 2021
“With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.”
– Acts 4:33
Brothers & Sisters,
Happy Easter!
Regularly proclaimed during the Easter season, the Acts of the Apostles detail the beginnings and rapid growth of the early Church. The apostles and fledgling disciples proclaim the joys of following Jesus, their Savior raised from the dead! In addition to these mighty testimonies, the community’s witness is evident by many miracles and how they lived with incredible generosity by sharing their goods.
As with the early Church, our personal stories of faith made witness by giving generously are tangible acts of compassion and mercy and meaningful tools of evangelization. I want to thank you for your continued unselfish sharing with our parish so that together we can help each other and our neighbors. Your generosity through offertory giving, gifts of time, and sharing talents are proof of our community’s faith. I am thankful to serve this parish of love as your pastor.
This Sunday carries a few official names, “Sunday of the Octave of Easter,” “2nd Sunday of Easter,” and “Divine Mercy Sunday.” As the Octave of Easter, the Church celebrates the first eight days of the season in the same spirit as the very day of Christ’s Resurrection. Nine days after Good Friday, Divine Mercy Sunday completes the Novena associated with the Mercy of Christ. St. Faustina, a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy during the 20th Century, received a vision of Jesus, in which two rays flowed forth from His heart, signifying the water and blood of Christ. The image reminds us that Jesus is the only source of true mercy and grace. Her devotion and witness have encouraged countless faithful to turn with trust to Jesus, knowing His death on the cross continues to unleash countless graces upon those who call upon his name.
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, may we draw from these words from the diary of St. Faustina, “Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize my unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of my mercy; let them profit from the blood and water which gushed forth for them”
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Rev. Michael S. Triplett