His Mercy Endures Forever

Second Sunday of Easter - Sunday of Divine Mercy

By Melanie Rigney

A large number of people from the towns in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered, bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.” (Acts 5:16)

Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy endures forever.”  (Psalm 118:2-4)

When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  (John 20:19)

Piety

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (From the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy)

Study

What is Divine Mercy? It’s as simple as ABC, devotees say: Ask for the Lord’s mercy; he desires us to approach Him in pray, repenting and asking for mercy. Be merciful; let that mercy we receive flow through us to others. Finally, Completely trust in Jesus.

St. Faustina Kowalska was passionate about obeying the Lord’s command to her to remind the world of His mercy for all of us. It wasn’t always easy; her mental stability was questioned, and she was far from the most popular woman in her convent. But Faustina heard… and obeyed.

The first words of the resurrected Jesus to the gathered, frightened disciples were, “Peace be with you.” We will not always find peace on this earth. Evil abounds. But by accepting the Lord’s mercy, and sharing it with others, we can find peace in our hearts and souls. They go hand in hand. Open yours up fearlessly and you will be blessed. His mercy endures forever.

Action

Consider praying the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy in addition to or in place of the rosary today. It doesn’t take long. Ask the Lord to open you up to His mercy.