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Dear families,
This Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, we'll celebrate one of my favorite Feasts of the year, the Feast of Divine Mercy.
It seems to me that many people in our world, and even within our Church, view God as an oppressive, grumpy old man who is taking note of our sins and failings as if gleefully waiting to condemn His wayward children.
That terrible image of God couldn't be further from the truth that Jesus Christ has revealed. Jesus reveals the Father to be infinitely merciful, a God of steadfast love. "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy" (Ps 145:8). Twice, in his first letter, Saint John says, "God is love" (1 Jn 4:8,16).
Please watch the CFF Children Prepare video with your children. Gianna and I discuss the Gospel and Divine Mercy.
There are discussion questions for your family below, too.
In Christ,
Leighton Drake
Director of Children's Faith Formation / Middle School Ministry
DISCUSS - The doors were locked, but Jesus entered the room, anyway. What does that tell us about the Resurrected Jesus?
- The Risen Jesus said to His apostles, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” What is "peace?" How does Jesus give YOU peace?
- When Jesus breathes upon the apostles and gives them the Holy Spirit and the power to forgive sins, which sacrament comes to mind? How does this sacrament show us that God is merciful?
- Why didn't Thomas believe his fellow disciples when they told him that the Lord had risen? What did Thomas say to Jesus when he saw him and believed, and what did his response mean?
- Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Who are those who have not seen the risen Jesus but have believed?
- Pray the Act of Faith as a family
- Perform an act of mercy toward a family member. Do something kind for someone in your family without being asked.
- Pray for each member of your family and ask the Lord to help you to love them as He does.
- Have a parent search for an image of the Divine Mercy on the internet so that you can draw and color your own poster. Put in on the wall in your room as a reminder of Jesus' love.