from Deacon Andrew Shute
A group of parishioners met on Divine Mercy Sunday afternoon to follow the lead of St Faustina. We began with the Blessing of our image of Jesus as the Divine Mercy and Fr John was available for Reconciliation. The Blessed Sacrament was placed on the altar and Barbara led the Rosary. Deacon Andrew used parts of the sermon given by Pope John Paul II on the canonisation of Sister Faustina Kowalska on 30 April 2000. The Service was followed by tea in the Church Hall.
Jesus told Sr Faustina: “Humanity will not find peace until it turns trustfully to divine mercy.” Through the work of the Polish religious, this message had first become linked for ever to the 20th century, and its two world wars.
In the various readings, the liturgy shows the path of mercy which, while re-establishing the relationship of each person with God, also creates new relations of fraternal solidarity among human beings. Christ has taught us that we not only receive and experience the mercy of God, but we are also called to practise mercy towards others: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
He showed us the many paths of mercy, which not only forgives sins but reaches out to all human needs. It is not easy to love with a deep love, which lies in the authentic gift of self. This love can only be learned by penetrating the mystery of God’s love. Looking at him, being one with his fatherly heart, we are able to look with new eyes at our brothers and sisters, with an attitude of unselfishness and solidarity, of generosity and forgiveness. All this is mercy! It is not a new message but can be considered a gift of special enlightenment that helps us to re-live the Gospel of Easter more intensely, to offer it as a ray of light to the men and women of our time
“Yes, the first Sunday Easter is the Feast of Mercy,
but there must be deeds of mercy,
which are to arise out of love for me (Jesus).
You are to show mercy to your neighbours everywhere.
You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it.” (742)
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