Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I welcome you all here to this Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday.

First of all, I want to speak to you a little bit about our Gospel for today. And then a little bit about the Feast of Divine Mercy. During this Easter Season we have been hearing a lot from St. John’s Gospel. This Gospel reading for today is very fruitful for reflection. But I think that it is important to set the stage. Recall that the disciples are gathered together. They are fearful. They have just seen Jesus handed over to the authorities. Some have even witnessed, like John, Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross. Some were witness to him being laid in the tomb. They have seen him tortured and killed and not just killed, but killed in one of the worst ways possible, Crucifixion. In addition to this, the majority of them had run away. And now they were hiding behind locked doors, and some are perhaps feeling ashamed of their cowardice. 

Suddenly Jesus appears to them. He is there in their midst behind locked doors. Perhaps, it was because of all that they witnessed before that Jesus says, twice, “Peace be with you.” Why does he say these words twice? He probably had to give them a moment to recover from their shock. I can just imagine some of the disciples being so startled that they fell out of their chairs. I can also imagine a little smile on Jesus’ face as he says again: “Peace be with you.”

Notice what Jesus does not say. He doesn’t berate them for running away. He doesn’t chastise them. He says, “Peace be with you.” 

Up to that point, we can only imagine how turbulent the hearts of the disciples were during this time, and peace is precisely what they need in their hearts. Have you ever experienced a time when you had lost someone? Or, perhaps, a time when things were so overwhelming that all you could do is cry and mourn? 

Ah, but have you also had the experienced that at the end of those tears, on the other end of that, a kind of peace comes over you? … it is a peace that the world cannot provide. All of the sudden there is a sense that … yeah, those problems are there, but it will be OK. I have had that kind of experience, and it is a kind of renewal of faith. 

One can only imagine the great peace that Jesus must have brought to the disciples at that moment. And then he breathes on them… he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them. And then he gives them a task: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” He gives them the power of the forgiveness of sins. They are given a share in his own priesthood to actually forgive sins. We see a great outpouring of divine mercy. He gives them the power to effect a kind of resurrection in the lives of those that they minister to through the forgiveness of sins.

And that is what this weekend is all about. It is about Divine Mercy. This feast of Divine Mercy was officially establish in the year 2000 by Pope John Paul II. He established that date when he canonized a humble polish nun named Faustina Kowalska. After Pope Saint John Paul II established this feast and canonized St. Faustina he said, “This is the happiest day of my life.”

This Divine Mercy had a kind of rough start because the Sacred Congregation at the Vatican had originally banned the writings and devotion of St. Faustina in 1958 and 1959 because the Vatican had in their possession a faulty translation of the St. Faustina’s diary from the original Polish to Italian. It was not until several years later that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith lifted the ban, and in 1978 wrote an explanation for lifting the ban. The CDF wrote:

This Sacred Congregation, having now in possession the many original documents unknown in 1959, and having taken into account the profoundly changed circumstances, and having taken into account the opinion of many Polish Ordinaries, declares no longer binding the prohibitions contained in the Notification [of 1959]. [Emphasis mine]

It is important, I think, to note that the ban was lifted on April 15, 1978, several months before Cardinal Wojtyla was elected as Pope John Paul II. 

Then as, Pope John Paul II, our Holy Father had the great privilege of establishing this great feast in honor of God’s Divine Mercy.

Devotion to God’s Divine Mercy, of course, is nothing new, for our psalm says today, “His mercy endures forever.” And this mercy is rooted in the power given to the Apostles to forgive sins: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive and forgiven them…” This Divine Mercy really sums up what Christ accomplished for us. But God chose this humble nun, St. Faustina, to highlight this devotion. And it came at an appropriate time, for this was indeed a turbulent time in history. In the 1940’s the world was embroiled in war, just a couple of years after her death. And Pope Saint John Paul II experienced first-hand some of these horrors of war. He was in Poland during the Nazi occupation. And after Nazism, he experienced the communist totalitarianism. Oh, how God’s Divine Mercy was needed then. And how God’s Divine Mercy is need now.

Fittingly, this great pope then died on the vigil of the feast of Divine Mercy on April 2, 2005, at 9:37pm. In his room, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz (pronounce: Djivish) had just celebrated the Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday and had administered a final anointing. (I happened to be studying in Rome at that time, and I can remember hearing the bells ringing from the Vatican signaling the death of our Holy Father).

This devotion to the divine mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, who in obedience to her spiritual director wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations that she received about God’s mercy. 

In 1931, our Lord appeared to St. Faustina in a vision. She saw Jesus clothed in a white garment with his right hand raised in blessing. He left hand was touching His garment in the area of the heart. And from there two large rays came forth, one red and the other pale. And Jesus said to her.

Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory (Diary, 47, 48). I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You (327). I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (47).

We have a copy of the image here in the Church.

The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him (299). By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works (742).

From: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_doc_20020629_decree-ii_en.html

In addition to the image of Divine Mercy, our Lord gave taught her the chaplet of Mercy, which is an intercessory prayer that extends the offering of the Eucharist. It is encouraged to be said after having received the Eucharist, and as a Novena, 9 days before the feast of Divine Mercy and during the Hour of Great Mercy, three o’clock each afternoon.

Our Lord promised St. Faustina: “The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened...” (From the Diary of St. Faustina, 699). This promise of our Lord is likened to a second Baptism, so great are these graces. Reconciliation or Confession can be received 20 days before or after, those are the only conditions for that great grace. This grace can only be received for oneself.

In addition to that great grace offered on this day, a plenary indulgence, granted by the Church under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!"). And again, if you are unable to do those things at this time, do what you are able. Make an act of contrition and a spiritual communion.

A partial indulgence, granted to the faithful who, at least with a contrite heart, pray to the merciful Lord Jesus a legitimately approved invocation.

Note: The Apostolic Penitentiary relaxed the norm of going to Confession to “several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act” (Gift of the Indulgence, General remarks, 5).

From: https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/indulgences_conditions.htm

And so, my brothers and sisters, we have a great opportunity for grace and God’s mercy on this day. Entrust yourselves into God’s divine mercy. Even if you are not catholic, and happen to be hearing this, know that this grace is available to you as well. With a contrite heart cast all your sins into God’s infinite ocean of mercy. I invite you to come to our holy hour at 3:00PM this Sunday afternoon, but if you are unable to do that, I invite you during this Mass to make an act of spiritual communion in honor of this Devotion, then at the end of Mass to resolve to be detached from any affection to sin, and we have already, during the Mass, offered prayers for the repose of the souls (or intentions) of our Holy Father, so then plan on going to confession, if you are able, in the next 20 days (if you haven’t already gone), and say an our Father and the Apostles Creed. In that way you will fulfill the requirements for the Plenary Indulgence which can be offered for yourself or for the poor souls in purgatory.

Above all, all of this is meant to affect our daily lives when we leave this place. Remember that our Lord says in Matthew’s Gospel: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt. 5, 7), so it is important that we practice works of mercy and charity as often as we can. It is important that just as we recognize God’s great forgiveness and mercy for us, we too need to pardon our brothers and sisters.

(More information).

Duty of priests: inform parishioners, hear confessions, lead prayers

Priests who exercise pastoral ministry, especially parish priests, should inform the faithful in the most suitable way of the Church's salutary provision. They should promptly and generously be willing to hear their confessions. On Divine Mercy Sunday, after celebrating Mass or Vespers, or during devotions in honor of Divine Mercy, with the dignity that is in accord with the rite, they should lead the recitation of the prayers that have been given above. Finally, since "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mt 5,7), when they instruct their people, priests should gently encourage the faithful to practice works of charity or mercy as often as they can, following the example of, and in obeying the commandment of Jesus Christ, as is listed for the second general concession of indulgence in the "Enchiridion Indulgentiarum".

This Decree has perpetual force, any provision to the contrary notwithstanding.

Domingo de Misericordia Divina

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Este Domingo, se trata de el Domingo de misericordia divina, y se basa en las revelaciones privadas de Santa Faustina Kawalska. Estas son las revelaciones privadas y apariciones que han sido autenticados por la Iglesia, y que han contribuido en gran medida a la devoción de los católicos. Pero no añaden nada nuevo a la plenitud de la revelación ya que nos ha dado Jesús, pero sí tal vez nos recuerdan que no hemos estado prestando suficiente atención a Jesús, que es la plenitud de la revelación. Revelaciones y apariciones privadas tanto autenticados, son una invitación y llamada de atención para ser cada vez más sincero en el abandono del pecado y crecer en la fe y en el amor de Jesús.

Nuestro Señor se le apareció a Santa Faustina muchas veces le decía a promover su divina misericordia. Él se le apareció y esta imagen de él estaba impresa en su corazón. Ella lo encargó a pintar de acuerdo con lo que vio.

La coronilla de la Divina Misericordia fue dado a ella.

Se le dijo que para promover esta fiesta de la misericordia divina.

Nuestro Señor le dijo:

Mi hija, dile a todo el mundo de Mi misericordia inconcebible. Deseo que la Fiesta de la Misericordia sea refugio y amparo para todas las almas y, especialmente, para los pobres pecadores. Ese día las entrañas de Mi misericordia están abiertas. Vierto todo un mar de gracias sobre las almas que se acercan al manantial de Mi misericordia. El alma que se confiese y reciba la Santa Comunión obtendrá el perdón total de las culpas y de las penas. En ese día están abiertas todas las compuertas divinas a través de las cuales fluyen las gracias. Que ningún alma tema acercarse a Mí, aunque sus pecados sean como la grana. Mi misericordia es tan grande que ninguna mente, ya sea de hombre o de ángel, será capaz de comprender a lo largo de toda la eternidad. Todo lo que existe ha salido de las entrañas de mi más tierna misericordia. Cada alma en su relación a Mí contemplará Mi amor y misericordia por toda la eternidad. La Fiesta de la Misericordia salió de lo más profundo de mi ternura. Es mi deseo que se celebre solemnemente el primer domingo después de Pascua. La humanidad no encontrará paz hasta que se vuelva a la Fuente de Mi Misericordia (Diario § 699 ).

Hemos entendido siempre que la confesión y de la comunión santa son grandes canales de la gracia. Siempre hemos entendido que estamos necesitados de la misericordia divina de Dios. En cierto sentido, esta devoción se limita a dar un medio para acceder a la misericordia divina, que siempre ha estado con nosotros. Por ejemplo: Tenemos que repetir la línea en el salmo Responsorial: "Su misericordia es eterna."

En nuestro Evangelio de Domingo tenemos el relato de nuestro Señor acogedor incrédulo Tomás a poner su mano en su costado para que él creyera. Aquí es donde se le atravesó el corazón para amarnos. Es desde este costado traspasado, que la misericordia de Dios se derrama a nosotros.

Y en la segunda lectura San Juan dice: “Jesucristo es el que vino por medio del agua y de la sangre; él vino, no sólo con agua, sino con agua y con sangre. Y el Espíritu es el que da testimonio, porque el Espíritu es la verdad.”

Esto nos recuerda que la bella imagen de la misericordia divina que fue inspirado por lo que vio Santa Faustina Kowalska. Un rayo blanco y un rayo rojo que sale del corazón de Jesús. Este rayo de luz blanca representa el bautismo, al igual que el agua del costado de Cristo representa el bautismo. Y el rayo rojo que viene del lado de Cristo representa la Eucaristía, así como la sangre que manaba de su lado representa la Eucaristía.

Es en los sacramentos que vemos la misericordia y el amor de Dios muestran más profundamente.

Es muy bueno para hablar sobre el simbolismo del agua, la sangre y rayos rojos y blancos , pero ¿cómo se aplica esto a mi vida, ¿cómo se aplica eso a tu vida?

La Iglesia es una institución de misericordia. Todo lo que ella hace es por la misericordia de Dios. El Señor nos invita a cooperar con su gracia, por lo que se espera que entre en esa misericordia y amor. Jesús corazón está rebosante de misericordia que él está constantemente tratando de derramar su misericordia sobre nosotros.

Este citación es de: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/documents/rc_trib_appen_doc_20020629_decree-ii_sp.html

Se concede la indulgencia plenaria, con las condiciones habituales (confesión sacramental, comunión eucarística y oración por las intenciones del Sumo Pontífice) al fiel que, en el domingo segundo de Pascua, llamado de la Misericordia divina, en cualquier iglesia u oratorio, con espíritu totalmente alejado del afecto a todo pecado, incluso venial, participe en actos de piedad realizados en honor de la Misericordia divina, o al menos rece, en presencia del santísimo sacramento de la Eucaristía, públicamente expuesto o conservado en el Sagrario, el Padrenuestro y el Credo, añadiendo una invocación piadosa al Señor Jesús misericordioso (por ejemplo, "Jesús misericordioso, confío en ti").

Se concede la indulgencia parcial al fiel que, al menos con corazón contrito, eleve al Señor Jesús misericordioso una de las invocaciones piadosas legítimamente aprobadas.

Nota: La Penitenciaría Apostólica relajó la norma de ir a la confesión a "varios días (alrededor de 20) antes o después del acto indulgenciada" (don de la indulgencia, Observaciones generales, 5).

Estas líneas anteriores son de:: https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/indulgences_conditions.htm

Si no puede confesarse o comulgar durante este tiempo, no se preocupe. Haz un acto de contrición y una comunión espiritual, y cumple esos requisitos cuando puedas.

Nuestro Señor prometió a Santa Faustina: “El alma que se confiese y reciba la Sagrada Comunión obtendrá el completo perdón de los pecados y de las penas. En ese día se abren todas las compuertas divinas por donde fluye la gracia...” (Del Diario de Santa Faustina, 699). Esta promesa de nuestro Señor se asemeja a un segundo Bautismo, así de grandes son estas gracias. La Reconciliación o Confesión se puede recibir 20 días antes o después, esas son las únicas condiciones para esa gran gracia. Esta gracia sólo puede ser recibida por uno mismo.

Además de esa gran gracia ofrecida en este día, una indulgencia plenaria, concedida por la Iglesia en las condiciones habituales (confesión sacramental, comunión eucarística y oración por las intenciones del Sumo Pontífice - Bueno, en este momento, para decir las oraciones por el descanso de su alma) a los fieles que, el segundo domingo de Pascua o El domingo de la Divina Misericordia, en cualquier iglesia o capilla, con espíritu completamente desprendido del afecto por el pecado, incluso venial, participen en las oraciones y devociones que se celebren en honor de la Divina Misericordia, o que, en presencia de el Santísimo Sacramento expuesto o reservado en el sagrario, recitar el Padrenuestro y el Credo, añadiendo una oración devota al Señor Jesús misericordioso (por ejemplo, ¡Jesús misericordioso, en ti confío!"). Si no puede hacer esas cosas en este momento, haga lo que pueda. Haz un acto de contrición y una comunión espiritual.

Por encima de todo, todo esto está destinado a afectar a nuestra vida cotidiana cuando dejamos este lugar. Recuerde que el Señor dice en el Evangelio de Mateo: “Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, porque ellos alcanzarán misericordia” (Mt 5, 7), por lo que es importante que ponemos en práctica las obras de misericordia y caridad tan a menudo como sea posible. Es importante que al igual que nosotros reconocemos gran perdón y la misericordia de Dios por nosotros, nosotros también necesitamos perdonar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas.