Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. Peace be with you!
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> From: Maryknoll Society <hello@maryknollsociety.org> > Date: April 28, 2019 at 5:41:38 AM EDT > To: sbasinger@stmarys-school.org > Subject: St Mary’s School, here is your weekly Journey of Faith reflection > Reply-To: Maryknoll Society <hello@maryknollsociety.org> > > > “Peace be with you” > View this email in your browser > > > > Dear St Mary’s School, > > Peace… it’s the way Christians greet one another to this day. That’s because “peace” was Christ’s first message to the apostles following his death and resurrection. > “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”” > ~ John 20:19-21 > The apostles were understandably frightened. They didn’t know what the future would hold. In many ways, we don’t either. But Christ’s message of forgiveness and peace was the beginning of a new journey of faith for the apostles, and it can be ours, too. > > Christ is telling us to find comfort in the knowledge that his resurrection is the promise of the fullness of life with the Father. This gift is the source of our peace and the reason we can hope—no matter the inevitable ups and downs of this life. > > One of the surest ways to experience the peace of Our Lord is prayer: asking for forgiveness of our sins, and forgiving those who have hurt us. No surprise then that Saint Pope John Paul II declared the second Sunday after Easter—today—Mercy Sunday. > > The inspiration for Mercy Sunday is in the writings of St. Faustina who described Christ’s words to her in a vision this way: “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my mercy.” (Diary, 300). > > St Mary’s School, on Mercy Sunday, I send you an invitation to peace through God’s mercy. Please share it with confidence, knowing that the more we share our faith in the Risen Christ, the more our faith grows leading us to the joy of life everlasting. > Sincerely yours in Christ, > Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M. > Prayer for Divine Mercy Sunday > Most merciful Jesus, > You died and rose for love of us. > Help us to die to our selfishness > and pride that we might also rise > to newness of life in You. > > Trusting in Your mercy > may we also follow Your example > of entering into the problems > and pain of those around us. > > Pour out Your grace and mercy > upon our suffering and sinful world > that all might know the true peace, > freedom, justice, and joy > of being precious children of God. > > Amen. > ~ Father Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M. > The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers serve the poor in 22 countries, and celebrate our faith through Mass, the Sacraments, and pastoral work. Help support our mission projects around the world. > > Copyright © 2019 Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, All rights reserved. > You are receiving this email because you previously opted-in for Maryknoll announcements and/or are a prior Maryknoll donor. > > Our mailing address is: > Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers > PO Box 302 > Maryknoll, NY 10545 > > > You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list >