Divine Mercy Sunday

Today the Church focuses on the mercy of God. St. Faustina, a mystic, had a vision of Jesus with rays streaming from his side. The two rays, according to what Jesus Himself told her, denote blood and water. The blood recalls the sacrifice of Golgotha and the mystery of the Eucharist: the water makes us think of Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Most Catholic Churches throughout the world will have the divine mercy image above placed in the sanctuary today and opportunities for prayer and the sacrament of confession will be made available. (No the image will not be worshiped! But we can honor and adore Christ Jesus by way of venerating His image.) The Church emphasizes the grace and mercy of God offered for sinners and Divine Mercy Sunday carries forth the celebration of Easter to apply it to the lives of all those within and without the Church. It is a day that the Mass readings focus on God's love and forgiveness and mercy. It is also a day in which we are encouraged to practice spiritual and corporal works of mercy to those around us.

The Divine Mercy Prayer:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the atonement for our sins, and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.