Divine Mercy Sunday Year B (2nd Sunday of Easter)
Sunday April 7, 2024
Mass Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
- First Reading – Acts 4:32-35: “The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.”
- Second Reading – 1 John 5:1-6: “And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.”
- Gospel – John 20:19-31: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Themes for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter) for Year B show us that the mercy of God is given to all of us, even though we turn away again and again. In the gospel for this Sunday Jesus appears to the disciples. Then he comes back and lovingly helps Thomas overcome his doubts. Some topics for this weekend include the Sacrament of Reconciliation, forgiveness, and God’s love for us.
- God’s universal mercy
- Faith and doubt
- Accepting our failures
- Showing mercy and forgiveness to others
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B.
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Resources for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a devotion which reminds us that God is merciful and that we too must show mercy. We pray for mercy for ourselves and the whole world.
Washed Away Prayer Service
This washed away prayer service makes a nice accompaniment to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It could also be used for a youth ministry meeting about forgiveness or baptism
Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
Consider going to reconciliation as a family or with youth group or youth ministry. And then do something afterwards to celebrate this beautiful gift of grace from our Lord. Go out for pizza together or something similar.
St. Faustina Kowalska
St. Faustina is known for her diary and for promoting devotion to Jesus as the King of Mercy which is particularly done by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
All Things Visible and Invisible – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth think about what it means to believe in something which can’t be seen. How do we know it is real?
Homilies and Reflections for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
Life in the Church
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B. With his wounds bared to his disciples immediately upon his arrival in their midst, Christ shows to us also our greatest sins in those nail and spear scars. God came, and we killed him—but no sin is greater than the Lord’s love, and so he arose, offering us peace and forgiveness beyond all understanding.
The Day the Lord Made
Scott Hahn explains that there is something liturgical about the way today’s Gospel scenes unfold. It’s as if John is trying to show us how the risen Lord comes to us in the liturgy and sacraments.
Look Beyond Your Fears
Jeff Cavins offers insights on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday Year B. Jesus wants us to look past our fears and accept his divine mercy.
More Thoughts for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
The resurrected Jesus seems to suddenly appear out of nowhere, even though the doors are locked. He is not the same as he was, but he is also not a ghost. And he comes speaking peace. He doesn’t bring up their abandonment and betrayal. Instead he calms their fears.
And then he gives the disciples a mission. They are to offer forgiveness and reconciliation. The world needs right relationships again. The restoration must include God, all people, and even all creation.
It begins with community. First they must live in harmony. And it seems that the early Church was pretty good at this for the most part. So for us also our mission mus start within our own communities.
Reflection Questions for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
- How are my current relationships with God, with others, and with creation?
- Is there a situation in my community where I need to be a sign of God’s peace and mercy?
- How does the hope of resurrection make me different?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for Divine Mercy Sunday Year B
For whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
1 John 5:4
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.”
John 20:27