Second Sunday of Easter. Divine Mercy Sunday. Acts of the Apostles 2: 42-47. Psalm 118. Peter 1: 1: 3-9. John 20: 29.
“Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now, yet you believe in him; you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Peter gives us this encouraging commendation to bolster our faith. He was probably amazed at the vast number of people who came to believe in the Resurrected Jesus, simply at the Word of proclamation by the apostles. They had not seen or touched Jesus, as did the apostles/disciples, yet they believed and were willing to die for their belief in Jesus. As the leader, Peter praises such trust and belief. We are those people.
What was so appealing about this Word of Proclamation of the Resurrected Jesus. I believe it was his Divine Mercy. The fact that a God would come down to earth and take on human nature, simply because he loves us, is astounding. The fact that this God was merciful and forgiving was breathtaking. This God was worth dying for. This God was alive and active in the life of each person and the community. We might ask if we are so committed and enthralled by this amazing God.
he Chaplet is Prayed on a five-decade Rosary
1. Make the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.
3. Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
4. The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
5. The Eternal Father
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
6. On the Ten Small Beads of Each Decade
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
7. Repeat for the remaining decades
Saying the “Eternal Father” (5) on the “Our Father” bead and then 10 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” (6) on the following “Hail Mary” beads.
8. Conclude with Holy God (Repeat three times)
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.