April 12, 2026 - Second Sunday of Easter
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
On this Second Sunday of Easter—known throughout the Church as Divine Mercy Sunday—we are invited to step directly into the mystery of God’s inexhaustible mercy. In the Gospel of John 20:19–31, the Risen Christ appears to His disciples, showing them His wounds and breathing peace upon them. It is here, in this sacred encounter, that mercy is not just spoken—it is revealed, embodied, and entrusted to the Church. When Jesus says, “Peace be with you,” He speaks to fearful hearts locked behind closed doors. The disciples, still shaken by the Passion, are met not with reproach, but with compassion. Christ shows them His wounds—the very signs of suffering now transformed into sources of healing. These wounds are the wellspring of Divine Mercy.
This message of mercy was brought into vivid focus in the 20th century through the life of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish nun who received private revelations from Jesus. In her diary, she recorded Christ’s desire that the world come to know the depths of His mercy. Jesus told her, “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.” From these revelations came the Divine Mercy devotion: the Chaplet, the image of the Merciful Jesus, and the call to trust—“Jesus, I trust in You.”
The Church formally embraced this message through the leadership of Pope John Paul II, who had a deep personal connection to Faustina and her message, both rooted in their shared Polish heritage. In the year 2000, during the Jubilee Year, he canonized Faustina and declared that the Second Sunday of Easter would henceforth be celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday for the universal Church. In doing so, he gave the entire world a gift: a yearly reminder that God’s mercy is greater than any sin, any failure, any fear. Providentially, Pope John Paul II himself died on the vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005—a powerful sign, many believe, of his life’s mission fulfilled in proclaiming the mercy of God.
Returning to the Gospel, we encounter Saint Thomas the Apostle, who struggles to believe. His doubt is not condemned; instead, Jesus meets him where he is, inviting him to touch His wounds. Thomas responds with one of the most profound confessions of faith: “My Lord and my God!” This moment reminds us that Divine Mercy is not reserved for the perfect—it is poured out especially for those who struggle, question, and seek.
Divine Mercy Sunday calls each of us to three simple but profound responses. First to trust in God’s Mercy. Like Thomas, we are invited to move from doubt to faith, from fear to trust. No sin is too great for God’s mercy. Second, to receive God’s Mercy. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, Christ continues to breathe His peace into our lives. Third, to be Merciful to Others. As Jesus sends the disciples, He also sends us: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Mercy received must become mercy given.
In a world often marked by division, fear, and uncertainty, Divine Mercy Sunday stands as a radiant proclamation: Christ is risen, and His mercy endures forever. Let us, then, echo the prayer given to Saint Faustina Kowalska and embraced by Pope John Paul II: Jesus, I trust in You.
God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
