Newsletter 7th April 2024 (Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday)

Mass Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday

• First Reading – Acts 4:32-35: The early believers were united, sharing possessions and resources. The apostles’ powerful testimony about Jesus’ resurrection earned them high regard. They distributed funds from sold properties to meet everyone’s needs, ensuring no one was in need.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118: Israel, Aaron’s descendants, and the God-fearing proclaim God’s enduring mercy. He answers in distress, providing strength and salvation. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, a marvelous act of the Lord.
• Second Reading – 1 John 5:1-6: Belief in Jesus as the Christ shows we are born of God. Loving God and His children means obeying His commandments, which are not burdensome. Our faith in Jesus as God’s Son overcomes the world, affirmed by the Spirit of truth.
• Gospel – John 20:19-31: In a locked room, Jesus appeared to his disciples, offering peace and showing his wounds, which brought them joy. He empowered them with the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins. Thomas, absent initially, doubted their testimony. Later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds, leading to Thomas’ declaration of faith. Jesus blessed future believers who wouldn’t see yet believe. These events were recorded to affirm faith in Jesus as the Christ.