April 16, 2023 - One Bread, One Body
April 16, Divine Mercy Sunday
Cycle A Readings:
1) Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
2) 1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
Consumed by Mercy (Heb 12:29)
“My Lord and my God!” —John 20:28
God is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). Jesus was consumed by Divine Mercy (see Heb 12:29). This mercy poured out of Him during His public ministry. In those three years, Jesus performed all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, healing, and teaching, persevering despite opposition. Yet this outpouring of the works of mercy was not enough to satisfy Him. The restlessness of Divine Mercy flowing through His body led Him to offer Himself as a sacrifice on the Cross to atone for all the sins of mankind.
Jesus was in anguish until His mercy could be poured out (Lk 12:50). Even hanging in agony on the Cross, Jesus’ desire to give mercy came forth from His lips, as He exclaimed: “I am thirsty” (Jn 19:28). The image of Divine Mercy depicts the twin rays of mercy streaming from the heart of Jesus, signifying blood and water that issued from His pierced side.
Will you satisfy Jesus’ thirst by receiving His mercy? There is a cost to receiving mercy; once received, you must freely give mercy (Mt 10:8). Mercy is the treasure, the pearl of great price (Mt 13:44-46); it will consume you and cost all you have (Heb 12:29). As with Jesus, mercy cannot rest until it bursts forth from you to the world. Satisfy Jesus’ thirst. Drink from the fountain of His mercy and let Him transform you into His ambassador of mercy for a sinful, wounded world.
Prayer: Lord of Mercy, may your priests be ambassadors of Divine Mercy to Your people. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for priests.
Promise: “His mercy endures forever.” —Ps 118:2
Praise: “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness” (Ps 145:8). Risen Jesus, Your mercy sustains us.
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023.
†Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21, 2022.
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.