May the Divine Mercy of Jesus that we celebrate this Sunday pour on you his peace!

Thank you to all of our Priests, Deacons, Office Staff, OCIA ministers, Music Ministers, Hospitality, and Volunteers for your hard work during Holy Week and Easter!  May the Divine Mercy of Jesus that we celebrate this Sunday pour on you his peace!

Our risen life as Christians is rooted in gratitude for and confidence in the salvation Jesus has won for us through His death and Resurrection. Today’s Bible readings on this Divine Mercy Sunday show how that vision is lived out in daily life and remind us that we can place complete trust in the mercy of God to lead us, step by step, toward heaven.

Our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, describes this beautiful way of life as practiced by the first Christians.  This is a snapshot of the first community of Christian stewards living daily stewardship — embracing prayer through the breaking of the bread, formation through the teaching of the apostles, hospitality through communal life and joyful fellowship, and service through their care for one another. What an inspiration for us!

Certainly, it can be difficult to live this way when earthly concerns — job stress, family struggles, health worries, political division — seem so large. At times, we can find ourselves becoming cynical like the Apostle Thomas in today’s Gospel.  But his doubts did not repel our Lord — they drew Him near in an extraordinary way. Beneath Thomas’ stubborn words, Jesus saw pain, disappointment and fear. Our Lord, who is mercy itself, did not condemn him. Instead, He calmed his doubts, invited him closer, and allowed him to touch those Sacred Wounds. What amazing grace!

When we are tempted to doubt, for whatever reason, we need only seek the Lord — in prayer, in the sacraments, and through the encouragement of our Christian community. Just as He did for Thomas, our Lord will mercifully restore our Easter vision and fill us with His joy and peace.

May the Risen Jesus bless you with this same peace!

Fr. Mark Zacker

Pastor