March 30, Divine Mercy Sunday

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting. --Psalm 118:1

Mass readings: Acts 2:42-47 / 1 Peter 1:3-9 / John 20:19-31

Popular Devotions

There's been a shift on this day even since Monica and I began editing My Daily Visitor in 2002. Back then, the official liturgical calendar made no mention of Divine Mercy Sunday on the Second Sunday of Easter. Back then, even when a reader wrote in and requested we amend the top line on today's page, we had to say, ''Sorry. The official title is. . . . ''

One of the beauties of the Church is how a particular devotion -- often initiated by an individual who will be canonized later -- gains popularity worldwide. Its message speaks to us at a particular time not only in human history but in the history of the Church. If you're unfamiliar with St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) and the Divine Mercy chaplet (prayer), this is a good week to learn more about both.

Prayer: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.