His Mercy Endures Forever

This weekend we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday which closes out the Octave of Easter. Through the visions of St. Faustina and the confirmation of St. John Paul II we dedicate the Second Sunday of Easter to God’s infinite and inexhaustible mercy. Not simply to the reality of God’s mercy, something that is testified to throughout the Lenten season and the Paschal Triduum, but in thanksgiving for God’s merciful love poured out through the Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Why give thanks if God has already offered His mercy? To quote the fifth Common Preface from the Roman Missal (Book of Prayers for the Mass): “although you have no need of our praise, yet our thanksgiving is itself your gift, since our praises add nothing to your greatness but profit us for salvation through Christ our Lord.” By giving thanks for Divine Mercy, the effects of the mercy received throughout the preceding Lenten Season can take root in our hearts and begin to grow through our merciful action in our everyday lives.

For unless we show mercy, we cannot truly receive the mercy of God. “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2) A question I would suggest you reflect upon throughout the Easter season is “How can I be more merciful in to those around me?” Please note justice and mercy do not contradict each other. I have often experienced in my own life the beautiful way that God’s personal chastisement has manifested the complementary realities of Divine Mercy and Divine Justice. We are chastised because we are loved. (Hebrews 12:6)

In the coming months, I would also encourage you to learn to have a disposition of mercy upon priests. As I begin the process of transitioning to a new assignment, I have prayed that the people of St. Joseph, Pillar of Families grow in love (and mercy) towards their future pastor and their vicars. For that will make the likelihood of the next pastor’s success and acceptance more probable and his acceptance by all assured.

I also bestow mercy on all who have derided and misrepresented me. While this has caused me and the Body of Christ harm, I have also developed a deep trust in the providential way that “God works all things for good for those that love Him.” (Romans 8:28) In the midst of all the turmoil and rancor that God has been at work, and as He has always done, is working out a path for His loving providence to prevail. If you need to hear it, I forgive you and I look forward in hope that one day all of us will be united in the heavenly song praising the most Holy Trinity.

Thank you to all who pitched in to help with the Triduum and Easter. It is always a glorious and beautiful time to reflect upon central Mystery of the Christian Faith. That Jesus died for our sins and rose to restore us to eternal life. May this mystery come to enlighten every aspect of our lives.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Jarred Kohn