Acts 2.42-47・Ps 118. 1＋2, 16+17, 22+23・1 Peter 1. 3-9・Jn 20. 19-31
We Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast of the Divine Mercy for more than 20 years now. With thankful heart, ours is always a celebration of the Divine forgiveness and Divine mercy. These divine forgiveness and divine mercy bind us to Him (Christ) and so we too become forgiving and merciful.
First Reading: The first apostles of Christ continued to spread the teachings of Jesus. The believers and followers of Jesus expressed their zeal on listening to the teachings, spent their time in communal life through prayers and sharing (breaking of the bread with sincere hearts).
・We receive plenty of encouragement with the piety of the first faith community after the Resurrection of Jesus. The vocation of both the first apostles and believers of the Resurrection serve as our encouragement to remain with our present faith community. In continuity of their zealousness, we intend to continue embrace life with the faith community. By praying together and sharing/ reaching-out to others we realize that we are on the right way.
Gospel Reading: It is the same mercy of Jesus even after His Resurrection that gave His disciples courage, hope, security, assurance and faith. These are all fruits of the Peace of Christ they received.
・Our faith in the Risen Christ is our faith in His presence in our midst. In times when things in our daily life seem to be not alright, the Word of God is our hope and encouragement. The Spirit of Christ who lives among us makes all things as we hope for, such us His Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and graces that abound in all other Sacraments. With trusting heart in His Love and Mercy, may we continue to receive Christ`s peace in which other good and beautiful things follow.
Second Reading: Through the passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus our Lord, God the Father of mercy forgives us and bind all of us to Himself. Blessed be God forever!
・In our time and place and through faith, we celebrate Easter by recognizing divine love. We continue to acknowledge divine presence and praise the divine by becoming initiators and makers of reconciliation against hatred, sincere hearts and compassion against indifference, and finally become promoters of peace.
Glory to God in the Highest.