The Easter Alleluia ~ by Ronnie Archer

Second Sunday of Easter
Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts 2:42-47
Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
1 Pt 1:3-9
Jn 20:19-31

Alleluia/Halleluja - the word we use to express the praise and joy of the Easter season.

Some of the disciples were discouraged at Jesus' crucifixion. We know that that loving, sacrificial act changed the course of history over the past two thousand plus years.

All components of life are important, because they are a part of our human life experience. Some of us are frightened of death, but it is a part of life that we cannot escape.

Yes, the crucifixion happened, but then came Easter morning, and the Resurrection of Jesus....so Easter time is a time of joy, because it tells us that death can be conquered. That one act gave us the hope that we too can have eternal life.

Jesus appeared several times after the Resurrection, which increased the faith of His disciples. We must continue to pray for a strengthening of our own faith.

The fact that we, on this Sunday, celebrated the First Eucharist of five of our youngest parishioners is a testimony to our faith in our parish.

This first Sunday after Easter also is Divine Mercy Sunday, which was instituted by Pope John Paul II. We need God's mercy to be saved.

Jesus told His apostles, "Peace Be With You". When we try to do what is right in God's eyes, we can be at peace.

Even though we have to go through darkness at times, we have to have strong faith to be able to "come through."

Let us all pray for continued faith and the peace that only God can give us!



~ Images from Hermano Leon Clipart