Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
ALLELUIA! Today we gather to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, the Octave Day of Easter—a sacred moment when the Church continues to rejoice in the joy of the Resurrection. This day reminds us that the Paschal Mystery, culminating in Christ’s victory over sin and death, is so immense that it cannot be contained within a single day. Rather, it draws us into a deeper, sustained contemplation of its saving power throughout this entire week.
Instituted by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000, Divine Mercy Sunday flows from the revelations entrusted to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish nun of the 1930s, chosen by Christ to proclaim His message of mercy to the world. This message—so central to today’s celebration—remains a radiant beacon of hope for all humanity.
In her visions, St. Faustina beheld two rays streaming from the Sacred Heart of Jesus—one red and one pale—symbolizing blood and water. These sacred signs point us to the life-giving gifts of the Eucharist and Baptism, revealing the continual outpouring of Divine Mercy that cleanses, heals, and renews every generation. From these encounters with the Lord comes the invitation to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet—a devotion that is not merely recited, but lived, as we entrust ourselves more deeply to God’s mercy.
In today’s Gospel (John 20:19–31), the Risen Lord enters into the fear of His disciples and greets them with the gift of peace, breathing upon them the Holy Spirit. In this moment, we see our own calling: to become vessels of His mercy in the world. Jesus’ gentle and patient response to Thomas’ doubt reveals that mercy has the power to transform hesitation into faith, and fear into trust.
As Pope Francis beautifully reminds us in Evangelii Gaudium, “The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel” (n. 114). These words are not simply an ideal—they are a mission entrusted to each of us.
In this spirit, I wish to commend the Divine Mercy Prayer Group in our parish. Gathering each week to pray the Chaplet in Spanish before beautifully adorned images of the Divine Mercy, they offer a powerful witness of faith. Their devotion extends beyond prayer into action—visiting the sick, serving those in need, and engaging in works of charity. They remind us that mercy is not only something we receive, but something we are called to give. I warmly encourage all to consider joining or supporting this group.
On a more personal note, this day always brings to mind the powerful example of my own parents. I can still see them, united in prayer, faithfully reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet each day at 3:00 PM in the quiet of our home. That simple yet steadfast witness left a lasting imprint on my heart and has profoundly shaped my own journey of faith.
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, may the words “Jesus, I trust in You!” take root within us—not merely as a phrase we repeat, but as a conviction we live. May we carry His mercy into our families, our workplaces, and our communities, becoming signs of hope and instruments of His unfailing love.
In Christ’s merciful love,
Msgr. “John” Cuong M. Pham