His "Sacred Heart" has given men everything:  redemption, salvation, sanctification  
The Heart of Christ! His "Sacred Heart" has given men everything:  redemption, salvation, sanctification. St Faustina Kowalska saw coming from this Heart that was overflowing with generous love, two rays of light which illuminated the world. "The two rays", according to what Jesus himself told her, "represent the blood and the water" (Diary, p. 132). The blood recalls the sacrifice of Golgotha and the mystery of the Eucharist; the water, according to the rich symbolism of the Evangelist John, makes us think of Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 3: 5; 4: 14).
 
Through the mystery of this wounded heart, the restorative tide of God's merciful love continues to spread over the men and women of our time. Here alone can those who long for true and lasting happiness find its secret.
– Pope Saint John Paul II, excerpt from the Homily for the First Celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday given on April 22, 2001
 
 
Christ is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!
 
Happy Easter! 
 
Today, one week after Easter Sunday, with the whole Church we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday.  Established as the Second Sunday of Easter by Pope Saint John Paul II during the Jubilee Year 200 – it is inspired by the revelations of the Lord Jesus to Saint Faustina Kowalski, known best by the painting with the signature “Jesus, I Trust In You.” and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.  Within the context of the Octave of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday continues the great joy and gladness caused by the Risen Christ with an emphasis on our experience of God’s Love is His Mercy.  Saint John Paul II noted this value of this feast in the following words: “Divine Mercy! This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity at the dawn of the third millennium” ( Homily for Divine Mercy Sunday, 4/22/2001).
 
 In a relatively brief homily, Saint John Paul II reflected beautifully on Divine Mercy and Easter in 2001, it is most certainly worth reading through the entire text.  Further, Saint John Paul II’s Homily for the Mass of Canonization for Saint Faustina Kowalska is excellent, full text is linked here.  There are many great explanations, resources, and insights on Divine Mercy at www.divinemercy.org – a website run by the Marian Fathers, who operate the US Shrine of Divine Mercy.
 
It is my hope that each of you will develop and foster an abiding devotion to Divine Mercy, please make those simple words on the sacred image your own: “Jesus, I Trust In You.!
 
Christ is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!
 
 
 
 
How to Pray today…
 
First, I would reference my post from a few weeks ago – “To whom shall we go?” – it has a bunch of suggestions, links, and helps.
 
Since today is Divine Mercy Sunday, a day filled with graces, I would suggest participating in the Holy Mass and Chaplet from the Shrine of Divine Mercy with the Marian Fathers; also, there are many places to access a live-streamed Holy Mass (there is always EWTN, among others) or prayerfully reading the Scriptures of the Day – here is an at home liturgy with prayers and readings – and, be sure to pray a Spiritual Communion. Also, to continue the Easter Celebrations at home, I would to encourage you to pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, the Regina Caeli, and, of course, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is most strongly recommended to all today.
 
 
A final word…
 
It is essential that we remain a people of prayer.  It does not escape me that these days are difficult, marked by frustration, anxiety, stresses, and confusion.  But, it is imperative that each of us choose to seek the Lord now, to give the Lord our God the priority that He deserves in our hearts, minds, and in our daily schedules… perhaps this is continuing your good habit of frequent prayer at home, or perhaps it is choosing to make this a new habit. 
 
Please, pray for the swift end to this public health situation and the recovery of health for the sick.  Also, please keep medical professionals, leaders, those who serve the common good, and vulnerable persons in your prayers during these challenging days.  Let us entrust ourselves and our petitions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!
 
 
Christ is Risen!  He is Risen, Indeed!
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray fo