Today we celebrate the Octave of Easter. That means we should celebrate this Sunday just as we celebrated Easter Sunday last weekend. The great dismissal is sung again today with a double ‘Alleluia’. We still rejoice in our Risen Lord!
All of the music still revolves around the Resurrection. We have ‘Doubting Thomas’ in the Gospel reading which is also reflected in our song at the presentation of the gifts: ‘We walk by faith, and not by sight; no gracious words we hear of him who spoke as none e’er spoke, but we believe him near. We may not touch his hands and side, nor follow where he trod; yet in his promise we rejoice and cry “My Lord and God!” (“We Walk by Faith” by M. Haugen) We also sing of this Gospel passage in our first Communion song – “Ye Sons and Daughters”. Doubting Thomas appears in verses 5-7 of this song as the entire Easter story is retold. Let us remain vigilant in our celebration of our Risen Lord throughout this joyful Easter season!
This Sunday is also the celebration of ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’. This Catholic devotion is based on revelations from Jesus Christ to Saint Faustina Kowalska in apparitions throughout her life. Following are some excerpts from her diary about her apparitions:
I want the image solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it.
— Jesus' words, Diary 341
This Feast emerged from the very depths of My mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of my tender mercies. Every soul believing and trusting in My mercy will obtain it.
— Jesus' words, Diary 420
Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it.
— Diary 742
Pope Saint John Paul II, in 2002, granted indulgences to Catholics who follow certain prayers and observations on this day. Please see more information in this bulletin on the requirements for the plenary indulgence and the ways to fulfill it at Prince of Peace.