Next Sunday, April 11, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Sr. Faustina Kowalska began receiving apparitions of Jesus Christ in the image of Divine Mercy early in the 20th century. In the image, we see Jesus standing, facing us, with His right hand raised in blessing. His left hand is pointing to His heart, which we cannot see. Coming forth from His heart are two rays—one white and one red. They recall the blood and water which flowed from Jesus side after He was pierced by the lance of the Roman soldier.
    
The white ray represents the mercy that God pours out upon us through the sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation. The red ray represents the mercy of God poured out through the sacrament of the Eucharist.
    
In the messages that Jesus gave to Sr. Faustina, He invites sinners to come to Him, trusting in His Mercy and love. Too many people, feeling alienated and threatened by Christ, avoid Him, when they desperately need Him. This devotion is like that of those directed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Each seeks to let us know how loving and kind Jesus is and to draw near to Him for forgiveness and healing.
    
Jesus Himself asked that the second Sunday of Easter be set aside for Divine Mercy Sunday. This is because the Gospel for that day is the account of the institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Apostles are hiding in the Upper Room, and Jesus passes through the door and stands before them. He says, “Peace be with you.” Then He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive are forgiven them. Whose sins you shall retain are retained.” Thus, He gives the Church the authority to forgive sins, absolving sins committed after baptism.
    
Divine Mercy Parish in Bellevue will have Divine Mercy Sunday services. The primary prayers will be at 3 pm, with confessions beginning at 2 pm.