Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy), April 19, 2020
As we continue to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Jesus, we acknowledge that, like Thomas, we sometimes doubt and that we are always in need of God’s enduring mercy. We offer our petitions to the Father and ask for the grace to be people of faith able to rejoice in the resurrection for all our days.
- That the Church, confined to our homes, may eat our meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, forever praising God for his goodness to us. We pray to the Lord.
- That during this time of stress, civil leaders may promote societal concern and action that looks outward to assist those who are frail, poor, confined, elderly, homeless, or disadvantaged, as well as all who lack the means to protect themselves from disease. We pray to the Lord.
- That in these days were the doors are locked where we are for fear of the coronavirus, we may be cognizant of Jesus in our midst offering his comforting words, “Peace be with you.” We pray to the Lord.
- That the selfless generosity of medical and service workers may be recognized as a reflection of the early disciples who shared what they had according to each one’s need and may inspire us to live charitably, praising God and enjoying favor with all people. We pray to the Lord.
- That although we are sometimes like Thomas, doubting the presence of Jesus in our lives, we may also be supported, as was Thomas, by faith communities and friends who have seen the Lord. We pray to the Lord.
- That the Easter message, Jesus is risen, may echo in our minds and hearts reminding us that following the trials, insults, isolation, and disappointments we experience are redemption, resurrection, and joy. We pray to the Lord.
- That we may come to believe more deeply that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief we may have life in his name. We pray to the Lord.
- That on this Feast of Divine Mercy, we will know divine mercy as “the Easter gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ that is offered to all humanity.”[1] We pray to the Lord.
- That Fr. Christopher and all who suffer from depression resulting from abuse, injustice, and persecution will be consoled by the gentle embrace of Jesus and hear his reassuring voice, “Peace be with you.” We pray to the Lord.
- That those who are ill may receive the medical care they need, know the support of friends and families, and be comforted by knowledge that Jesus is always among us offering peace. We pray to the Lord.
- That those who have died will find relief from their suffering on earth and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy as they attain the goal of their faith, the salvation of their souls. We pray to the Lord.
O God, on this Easter Day, we offer our prayers as people who have heard the incredible news of Jesus’ resurrection. Our hope based on this news is sometimes clouded by our doubts and our continuous need for confirmation of our beliefs. May your answers to these petitions strengthen the faith of each of us so that we may join fully with Thomas in proclaiming Jesus as “My Lord and my God.” We make our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[1] Pope John Paul II, Sunday of Divine Mercy Homily, April 22, 2001.
parishionersforjustice.com 
IT IS GOOD TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF Jesus EVEN IN THESE DAYS OF SECLUSION AND STRESS AND WONDERING WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT———-WE CAN FIND SIGNS IF WE LOOK———OUT OUR BEDROOM WINDOW WE WATCHED
A MOTHER ROBIN BUILDING HER NEST BY GATHERING STICKS SND FLYING INTO THE THICK BRANCHES OF AN EVERGREEN — SNOW FLAKES WERE FALLING—IT HELPS ME RECALL THAT GOD FINDS A HOME FOR THE BIRDS — BUT DOESN’T JUST THROW THE FOOD INTO THEIR NESTS! WE CAN DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE—
LET US HELP DO OUR PART TO ‘ RENEW THE FACEOF THE EARTH’ JUST AS WE ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DO – ” COME HOLY SPIRIT, RENEW ,THE FACE OF THE EARTH IN THESE DAYS OF HARDSHIPS FOR EVERY ONE OF US!” AMEN.
WHEN WE FIND OURSELVES DEPRESSED TAKE TIME TO DO SOMETHING FOR OTHERS…….THEN FOR OURSELVES !
I HAD A PICE OF PECAN PIE LEFT OVER FROM EASTER—- THEN WE SENT ONE TO A NEIGHBOR WIDOW FRIEND! IT WORKED!!!! MADE US ALL FIND REASONS FOR GOING ON!!! THIS VIRUS WILL NOT LAST—-WE HAVE TIME NOW TO DO A FEW NICE THIGNS FOR OTHERS AND FOR OURSELVES AS WELL! WRITE A NOTE TO SOMEONE!
MAYBE THEY WILL WRITE YOU BACK! PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL SOMEONE JUST TO SAY HELLO— MAYBE THEY WILL CALL YOU BACK SOMEDAY WHEN YOU NEED TO HEAR A FRIENDLY VOICE !
PEACE WILL COME— BUT WE NEED TO REMAIN compassionate and PATIENT! MEANWHILE — WE CAN ALL PRAY!
MARY JO
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