October 22 - Blessed John Paul II - Apostle of Mercy

It was only back in April of 2011 that this optional memorial of Blessed John Paul II was added to the Liturgical Calendar.  And today is the last time we will ever celebrate it because Pope Francis has set the date for the canonization of Saint John Paul II to be the 2^nd Sunday of Easter 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday.

Divine Mercy Sunday is but one of the many gifts left to us by Pope John Paul II.  The message of God’s mercy to the fallen, to the heartbroken, to the sinner, is of course not a new concept.  We are loved even when we are unlovable because of our sins—now matter how sinful, we are called to be forgiven by God. 

Divine Mercy Sunday was instituted only back in the year 2000 by Pope John Paul II, inspired greatly by the life and Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, the little polish nun who wrote so tenderly of God’s mercy, who received that vision of Our Lord who appeared to her at told her to make known the devotion to his mercy, and to pray for the conversion of sinners by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Last year, on this date, I was honored to celebrate Mass for the workers of Bethesda House of Mercy, an organization here in the Diocese of Cleveland, who minister to those wounded after having an abortion.  That wonderful organization witnesses to the dignity of human life and also to the power of Christ’s mercy by caring for those who suffer.

Blessed Pope John Paul’s pontificate was rich in announcing God’s mercy—announcing that God’s mercy can be known, experienced, and received through the Church.  In one of his most important encyclical letters, Evangelium Vitae, The Gospel of Life, he wrote:

"I would like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly." 

"If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation”

Powerful words for all of us.  That God never abandons us, but that God embraces all those who come to the fount of his mercy.

We thank God for the wonderful Pope, who was and continues to be an apostle of mercy for us, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.