Divine Mercy Sunday is a relatively new addition to the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, established by Pope Saint John Paul II in the year 2000. However, the message of divine mercy has its roots in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament.
The concept of mercy is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). He also tells the parable of the prodigal son, in which a father shows great mercy and forgiveness to his wayward son who returns home (Luke 15:11-32).
In the Gospel of John, the message of divine mercy is particularly prominent. Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3:16). He also tells his disciples, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love" (John 15:9).
The visions of St. Faustina Kowalska, which inspired the establishment of Divine Mercy Sunday, were also rooted in the Gospel of John. St. Faustina wrote in her diary, "I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of my tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of my mercy" (Diary of St. Faustina, 699).
The message of divine mercy is also reflected in the sacraments of the Catholic Church, particularly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession. Through this sacrament, Catholics can receive the forgiveness of sins and experience the mercy of God.
In summary, while the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday is a relatively recent addition to the Catholic liturgical calendar, its message has deep roots in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. The celebration is a powerful reminder of the mercy of God and an opportunity for Catholics to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and experience his love and forgiveness.
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