Word from the Pastor

Divine Mercy Sunday

Dear parish family,​

Despite living in a chaotic world, we, Christians, are still rejoicing over the abundance of grace we received on Easter Sunday. The readings for this Sunday invite us to reflect on God’s Mercy. God revealed His mercy, first and foremost, by sending his Only begotten Son to become our Savior and Lord by his suffering, death, and Resurrection. Jesus in his conversation with Pontius Pilate said: “ I have come to the world to witness to the Truth, that God is rich in mercy, He is a loving and compassionate Father. Therefore, His resurrection means the renewal of the Creation, a new life is given to the world. ​

After his resurrection, the first gift that was given to the disciples was the Holy Spirit. “He breathed on them and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” They received the mission to witness to peace and reconciliation. In the first reading, we see how the early Church witnessed to God’s mercy by showing heartfelt sympathy for one another. “The community of believers was of one heart and mind and they had everything in common.” They were filled with awe; they were witnesses of wondrous signs; they dedicated themselves to the good of the other; they were selfless and generous.” With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, great favor was accorded them all. ​

In fact, God’s Mercy is celebrated in every page of the New Testament, but the theme of God’s Mercy is emphasized in a special this Sunday at the request of Jesus to Sister Faustina, a Polish nun who died in the first part of the last century. In a series of apparitions she was privileged to receive from Jesus, he asked her to highlight this important teaching of Scripture. Along with this request, there was a picture of Jesus standing with two rays of lights coming from his heart, one white and blue and the other red. These signify the cleansing water of Baptism and the precious Blood of the Eucharist flowing upon us from the heart of Jesus. The chaplet of Divine Mercy is also an integral part of this devotion. ​

Today, the world, me and perhaps you too need to be reminded that God is rich in mercy and that we too must be the witnesses of his mercy in our families, our neighborhoods, our nations and all over the Word. The gospel says: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and said to them: “Peace to be with you.” As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” The mission is urgent. We have to get out of ourselves and let our fear behind to go and witness to the peace of Christ in the midst of this crazy and disturbed world. ​

Happy Easter! ​

Fr. Jean Jadotte
Pastor