The Divine Mercy
Last Sunday, April 7, on the second Sunday of Easter, we celebrated the Feast of the Divine Mercy. Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2000, this is an occasion to reflect on the meaning of the Resurrection of Christ in our lives. The Son of God died and rose again after three days, so that we would have life. But what does it mean to “have life”?
During his Sunday message, Pope Francis numbered two possible answers. On the one hand, there are those who believe that life is a frenetic race fuelled by consumerism and the pursuit of pleasure at all costs. However, as the Pope himself explained, this path is full of pain and does not lead to fulfillment.
On the other hand, for those who seek true happiness, it is enough to “fix one’s eyes on the crucified and the risen Jesus, encountering Him in the Sacraments and in prayer, recognising that He is present, believing in Him, letting oneself be touched by His grace and guided by His example, experiencing the joy of loving like Him. Every living encounter with Jesus enables us to have more life.”[1]
Pope Francis ended his message reflecting on global wars, especially those in Ukraine and Palestine, while he called on political leaders to negotiate a lasting peace for the benefit of all nations and peoples.
Guided by Divine Mercy, the Providence Family seeks to be the human face of Providence for every human being deprived of dignity.