Divine Mercy Sunday Reflection

“Jesus, I Trust in you!” These familiar words have a special place in the lives of Catholics, especially when we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. On April 30, 2000, then Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina Kowalska who was a Polish religious sister also called “the apostle of Divine Mercy,” and declared the Second Sunday of Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday. What a beautiful reminder it is each and every year when we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter that our God is a loving and merciful God who is always calling us to be with him and place our trust in him.

Every Sunday at the College Seminary, we are blessed to have a holy hour together as a community before the celebration of Sunday Mass. Just a few weeks ago as we were celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday, the classic and beautiful image known to many was prominently displayed in our chapel. The picture of Jesus with the phrase, “Jesus, I Trust in you!” inscribed below the image was surrounded by flowers and lit candles. As I was praying during the holy hour, I found my attention was frequently diverted to that image. I began to realize that the Lord was trying to tell me something. As I am praying for the needs of others, myself, and the world, I found myself praying over and over again, “Jesus, I trust in you!” I quickly came to realize that the Lord was telling me that I am not saying those words enough. As human beings, it is a tendency of ours to want to have control over things, but many times we fail to remember who really has control. In times when it seems we have run out of options or when a situation seems hopeless, it is important to pray those words, “Jesus, I trust in you!” because he does provide!

As the Easter season progresses, it is a good reminder to all of us to maybe take some time in our busy schedules and reflect on those beautiful words, “Jesus, I trust in you!” and hopefully we all can experience the peace of the Easter season knowing that our risen Lord will be with us in all of our trials and be that source of reassurance and serenity.