For the past ten years, Roman Catholics have been celebrating the 2nd Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday. It is a day to be reminded of the infinite mercy of God, and the grace available to all those who turn to Him and accept that mercy.
This Divine Mercy Sunday, a special event has just occurred in Rome. Pope John Paul II has been beatified, which is the Church’s official recognition of his saintly life, and another step towards being declared a saint.
At his Inaugural Mass in 1978, Blessed John Paul II reminded each of us that those open our hearts and minds to God, and to not be afraid to live our lives for Him,
Do not be afraid. Open, I say open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of states, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid. Christ knows “that which is in man”. He alone knows it.
So often today, man does not know that which is in him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns into despair. We ask you, therefore, we beg you with humility and with trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of life eternal.
I hope we can all reflect upon the life and goodness of this man, who had a hand in changing the world as we know it.
Just a little shout-out to my goddaughter Lillian, who receives her First Holy Communion today. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday.
