Daily Gospel Reflection for April 23, 2017 - Divine Mercy Sunday

Today's Gospel: John 20:19-31 - Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy Sunday with its message of God’s Mercy and trusting in Jesus is one of my favorite days of the year. We are so blessed to have a God that wants to forgive us. His Mercy is unending. All we need do is ask.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gave the power to forgive sins to the apostles, who have in turn passed it on to every priest on his day of ordination. “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful gift. Yes, it can be scary to go and nervously wait for your turn in the confessional. On a short-term basis, it can seem easier to avoid the whole thing. But, there is nothing like the joy and peace that come from honestly admitting our faults and failings and hearing the words of absolution, to truly know that you are forgiven.

There have been times in my life when I went into that confessional with a heart burdened by guilt and sin and come out, tears streaming down my face, feeling so much lighter. “I absolve you from all your sins in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” They are such life-giving words. It is the gift of God’s Mercy at work.

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Ponder:

When was the last time you went to the Sacrament of Reconciliation? If it has been a long time, what is it that is keeping you away?

Pray:

Dear God, thank you for the gift of Your Mercy. Thank you for giving priests the power to forgive sins.

Copyright 2017 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur