Divine Mercy, Blessed Pope John Paul II Inspiration

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. (Psalm 118:24)

Today is a day of double blessing. Not only do we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday but we also honor Pope John Paul II, who will be beatified today in Rome. In honor of this event, we want to offer some excerpts from John Paul’s first homily as pope, given on the day of his inauguration, October 22, 1978. May his words, his spirit, and his love for Jesus continue to inspire all of us!

“On this day and in this place these same words must again be uttered and listened to: ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’ (Matthew 16:16).

“Yes, Brothers and sons and daughters, these words first of all. Their content reveals to our eyes the mystery of the living God… . He who is infinite, inscrutable, ineffable, has come close to us in Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary in the stable at Bethlehem.

“All of you who are still seeking God, all of you who already have the inestimable good fortune to believe, and also you who are tormented by doubt: Please listen once again, today in this sacred place, to the words uttered by Simon Peter… .

“Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power… . Open wide the doors for Christ… . Christ knows what is in man. He alone knows it. So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of eternal life.”

“Thank you, Lord, for the life of Blessed Pope John Paul II! As we celebrate your mercy today, fill us with hope in you. Help us all to ‘Be not afraid!’ ”

--that in all things God may be glorified--