Faith

A Time For Mercy

April 6, 2013

1 min read

divine-mercy Today marks the end of the Easter octave. This particular Sunday has been designated as Divine Mercy Sunday. It is an opportunity for us to again reflect on God’s merciful love. In today’s Gospel, we hear of the institution of the Sacrament of Penance as well as the famous story of doubting Thomas. Jesus offers the gift of the Holy Spirit to help the apostles discern their ministry of forgiving sins. In the latter days of Jesus’ ministry, he institutes three important sacraments: the Sacrament of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the Sunday following the resurrection, and the Sacrament of Baptism as he gives the Apostles the Great Commission prior to his Ascension.

These three sacraments are the core of the Catholic Christian’s life. In many cases by the time we are ten years old, we have received all three sacraments. While baptism is received but once, we should frequent Eucharist and Reconciliation often. Both of these sacraments help us to deepen our relationship with the Lord and challenge us to become more like him.

On this day, I encourage you to reflect upon God’s mercy and love.

Msgr John Kasza

REVEREND MONSIGNOR JOHN KASZA was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1993. He holds a B.A. in History from Wayne State University, Detroit and an Master of Divinity from Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He earned his doctorate in Sacramental Theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum Sant’Anselmo in Rome in 1999. Msgr. Kasza has served as an assistant professor of sacramental theology, liturgy and homiletics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and has also taught at the Liturgical Institute at St. Mary of the Lake University in Mundelein, Illinois. He most recently served as Secretary to both Adam Cardinal Maida and Archbishop Allen Vigneron and was Vice Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Detroit. In July of 2009, Msgr. Kasza became the Academic Dean at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Monsignor is currently pastor of St.Therese of Lisieux parish in Shelby Township, Michigan and has authored several articles. His book, Understanding Sacramental Healing: Anointing and Viaticum, is available through Amazon.

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