The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, April 18, 2004
Second Sunday of Easter
Divine Mercy Sunday

Scripture from Sunday’s Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 5:12-16
Psalm 118:2-4,13-15,22-24
Revelation 1:9-13,17-19
John 20:19-31

A reflection on today’s Sacred Scripture:

Today is the Second Sunday of Easter and we’re reminded how Christ didn’t leave His followers bereft of His comforting and healing presence, but left them Sacraments with their outward signs and grace-filled efficaciousness.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Confession finds its origin in the happenings and words of today’s Gospel. In it we hear not only about the institution of the Sacrament, but the story of Thomas’ unbelief about the Resurrection of Jesus. The two are not unconnected, for in it we hear Jesus saying how blessed are those who have not seen, but believe.

That is a message for us and all who never have probed the crucifixion wounds of Christ, and yet believe. The blessings come in the form of the forgiveness of sin that we receive, when in faith we approach Christ hidden, yet sacramentally present in the person of the priest.

This indeed is a sign of belief--a source of incredible blessing.

Let us then recall with great love the source of all love and mercy and thank Him with all our hearts for His life-giving and sustaining presence in the Sacraments of His beloved Church.

- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:28 AM