Apr. 30, 2025
The Second Sunday after Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday in the Roman Rite, is a day of celebration and reflection within the broader context of Easter. It’s the concluding day of the Easter Octave, marking the end of the eight-day period celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. While not a central focus for all Christian denominations, it is a time to consider the ongoing impact of Easter and the importance of mercy and grace.
Here’s a more detailed look at the significance for non-Catholics:
- Easter Celebrations and the Second Sunday:
– Easter Sunday is a cornerstone of Christian faith, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
– The Second Sunday, also called Divine Mercy Sunday, is the concluding day of the Easter Octave, which is a period of extended celebration following Easter.
– For many, it’s a time to reflect on the resurrection and its implications for their faith and lives. - Divine Mercy Sunday (Roman Rite):
– In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, Divine Mercy Sunday is a special feast day.
– It’s based on the reported visions of Jesus and his promises related to the Divine Mercy, particularly in the diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska.
– While not universally observed by all Christian denominations, its focus on forgiveness, mercy, and the power of Jesus’ love resonates with the broader Christian message. - Observances for Non-Catholics:
– Non-Catholics may choose to observe the Second Sunday with personal reflection, prayer, and
potentially attending a church service if they desire to deepen their understanding of the broader
Christian message of Easter.
– They may also find meaning in the symbolism of this day, reflecting on the concept of divine mercy and the ongoing power of Jesus’ resurrection.
– It’s a time to consider the lessons of Easter and how they can be applied to daily life, perhaps focusing on themes of love, forgiveness, and compassion.
The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Acts 4:32-35
A new edition of These Days (April/May/June), as well as the current edition of Our Daily
Bread (March/April/May) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on
the church porch.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Residents of Parkland on Eglinton have booked a Mary Morton bus trip on Wednesday, May 14 th to Stratford to see “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the Avon Theatre after Chicken Supreme entrée lunch at the Parlour Inn for $227. 00 each. Please call Maureen at 416-433-8148 if interested.
Spring Quotes in the Bible
The sign-up sheet for coffee/tea service after worship is on the bulletin board
opposite the kitchen downstairs. Please sign yourselves up or sign up your
committee so that our Fellowship time after church can continue.
May 4 – Anniversary Luncheon
May 11 – Iris & Carol
May 18 – ???
May 25 – ???
* Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. —Zechariah 10:1
* Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. —Hosea 6:3
* For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. —Song of Solomon 2:11-12
* They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. —Job 29:23* The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. —Isaiah 35:1-12