"O Merciful Redeemer"

As we continue our Sunday of Divine Mercy celebration, I offer this version of "O Merciful Redeemer":

 

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Today the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy). The assigned readings for the Mass of Easter Day are Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 1:3-9, and John 20:19-31. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 118 (Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm 2026 - Easter 2 - Psalm

The Gospel reading is as follows:

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Reflections related to these readings:

Community in Mission: God's Perfect Mercy - A Meditation for Divine Mercy Sunday (11 APR 26) 

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Divine Mercy Means We Are Hell-Bound Without Jesus (9 APR 26)

Word on Fire: Both His Wounds and His Peace (Cycle A * Easter * 2nd Week)

The Pilot: Echoes: Scott Hahn: His mercy endures (10 APR 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Deacon Greg Kandra: Scripture Reflection for April 12, 2026, Second Sunday of Easter (8 APR 26)

The Pilot: Echoes: Archbishop Richard G. Henning: Jesus, I trust in You (10 APR 26)

Dominicana: I Have Seen the Lord (5 APR 26)

Birthday Blessings, Jim!!!

Birthday greetings to cousin James Haupt, whose birthday is today!!! May this day, and each day of the upcoming year, be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Debbie!!!

Belated birthday greetings to niece Debra Kyle, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Bill!!!

Belated birthday greetings to friend (and "little brother") Bill McKenna, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessing, Chris!!!

Belated birthday greetings to son-in-law Christopher Wing (Mary's husband), who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Birthday Blessings, Mark!!!

Belated birthday greetings to brother Mark, who recently celebrated his birthday!!! May each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, lord, for the blessing of Your Divine Mercy.

Lucia Silecchia on the Paschal Hope

"A number of springs ago, I came to the Easter Vigil Mass with the joyous anticipation of Easter muted a bit. That year, my Dad was journeying through what I knew -- but did not want to believe -- were the final months of his earthly life. I came to Mass early that night for some quiet time alone. The church was both bustling with preparation and peacefully tranquil at the same time.

"As the Great Vigil began, the Easter flame, the paschal candle, and, ultimately, all of our little candles were lit to banish the darkness . . ."

In a recent commentary , writer/Professor Lucia A. Silecchia reflected the Paschal candle as a reminder that "all that will come -- all of the beginnings and all of the ends -- are in the hands of the Risen Christ."

To access Professor Silecchia's complete post, please visit:

The Pilot: Echoes: Lucia A. Silecchia: The Paschal hope (8 APR 26)

Reflection Starter from Pope Leo XIV

"It is not always easy to believe. It was not easy for Thomas, and it is not easy for us either. Faith needs to be nourished and sustained. For this reason, on the 'eighth day' - that is, every Sunday - the Church invites us to do as the first disciples did: gather together and celebrate the Eucharist. (Jn 20:19–31)" - Pope Leo XIV

Glenn Miller: "Sunrise Serenade"

As this blessed week draws to a close, I offer this version of Glenn Miller and His Orchestra presenting "Sunrise Serenade":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of circus performers.