Happy Sunday! Join The CatholicTV Network for the profound celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter. We are delighted to welcome Father Frank Sevola, OFM, Guardian of the St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, as our celebrant for this sacred liturgy.

In today’s reverent Homily, Father Sevola, OFM, explores the "most merciful" heart of Jesus Christ and the gift of peace He offers to a troubled world. Drawing from the communal life of the early Church in the Acts of the Apostles and the appearance of the Risen Lord to the disciples, we reflect on how the Resurrection brings about a "continuing effect" in our minds and hearts. We are encouraged to approach the Lord in prayer and confession, allowing His mercy to heal our wounds and reconcile us to the Father. This Mass is a powerful invitation to "love and serve the Lord and one another," living as a community of faith that proclaims the victory of life over death.

The Scriptures highlight the unity of the first believers and the institution of the Sacrament of Mercy:
-The First Reading (Acts 2:42-47): The early Christian community devotes itself to the teaching of the Apostles, the communal life, the "breaking of the bread," and the prayers. They hold all things in common, eating their meals with "exultation and sincerity of heart" while the Lord adds to their number daily those who were being saved.
-The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118): A proclamation of eternal fidelity: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love is everlasting".
-The Second Reading (1 Peter 1:3-9): Peter writes about the gift of faith that we are able to joyously participate in.
-The Holy Gospel (John 20:19-31): On the evening of the first day of the week, the Risen Jesus appears to the disciples behind locked doors, saying, "Peace be with you". He breathes on them, giving them the Holy Spirit and the power to forgive sins. When Thomas, who was absent, later expresses doubt, Jesus appears again eight days later, inviting him to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!".

May the Sacrament we have received today lead us to the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mass Chapters for Navigation

-Introductory Rites / Penitential Act: 1:21
-Gloria: 2:13
-Collect (Opening Prayer): 3:07
-First Reading: 3:46
-Responsorial Psalm: 4:46
-Second Reading: 6:30
-Gospel: 8:33
-Homily: 10:58
-Prayers Of The Faithful: 18:14
-Liturgy of the Eucharist Begins: 20:19
-Eucharistic Prayer / Consecration: 20:53
-The Lord's Prayer: 24:20
-Communion: 26:03
-Concluding Rites / Final Blessing: 26:55

Theological & Liturgical Context
-Season: Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday.
-Gospel Focus: The Gift of Reconciliation; Jesus’ appearance to the disciples establishes the Church as the vessel of His mercy, showing that His peace is the remedy for fear and that faith is confirmed through the personal encounter with His Risen and wounded Body.
-Homily Key Message: We are called to "think of what is above"; by participating in the "meal of love," we are transformed into witnesses who, like the early Church, find joy in communal life and the "breaking of the bread," trusting in the "most merciful" Lord to guide us.

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