GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE
April 12, 2026
2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
John 20:19-31
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’” (John 20:27)
In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion. But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I’d want to sarcastically murmur, “Well, good for you.” I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew.
Then we brought the group on a pilgrimage. I was standing in an old church in France, ignoring a long-winded tour guide. I found myself before a crucifix. In that moment, I heard something, not audibly, but unmistakably in my heart: “I came to be your friend… and you wish to be my enemy? Why do you stand far from me? I suffer gladly for you. I was pierced for you. Why do you run from me?” My heart opened. I saw how cold and cynical I had become. But Jesus had not given up on me. He had returned, and his mercy broke through.
So I can relate to the scoffing — and transformation — of Thomas when the Risen Jesus presents his wounds for inspection. Thomas is not simply doubting; he is guarded, suspicious, even cynical. But Jesus comes to him. No lecture. Just understanding and mercy. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds. This burns away his cynicism like the morning mist.
Divine Mercy Challenge: This week, rejoice with someone who is newly alive in faith. If your own heart has grown skeptical or tired, ask Jesus to help you. He will.
— Father John Muir
PRAYER – FOR EVERYDAY AND EVERYBODY
Divine Mercy Blessing
Dear Jesus,
May your mercy flow over us,
filling our gaps and healing our wounds.
Open our hearts more deeply
with knowledge of your love for us,
understanding of the depth of your passion,
and trust in your never-ending mercy.
Amen.
Devotions, Explained! Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Explained The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is an intercessory prayer invoking God’s mercy on the world, utilizing words drawn from the text of The Diary of St. Faustina Maria Kowalska. St. Faustina was a Polish nun who received visions of Christ imploring her to spread the message of his Divine Mercy, specifically through the recitation of this chaplet.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed using an ordinary five-decade Rosary. To begin, make the Sign of the Cross, then pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed. On each of the large beads (where the Our Father is said), pray: “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” On each of the 10 smaller beads (used for the Hail Mary), pray: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” This pattern is repeated for all five decades of the Rosary. To conclude the chaplet, pray three times: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
St. Anselm | April 21
St. Anselm of Canterbury left his home in Italy to travel as a young man and ended up at the monastery in Bec, France, which was known for the teachings of its leader, Lanfranc. Anselm rose quickly to become abbot of the community and his writings are now compared in importance to those of St. Augustine.
In 1093 Anselm was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by William II Rufus, the son and successor of William the Conqueror. However, at the time there was a controversy in Europe over whether kings or the pope had the power to invest bishops. Anselm, who believed only the pope should have the right to invest an ecclesiastical authority, spent much of his time as Archbishop exiled in Rome.
St. Anselm’s teaching and works of theology are his most important contribution to the Catholic faith. He is considered of the fathers of scholastic theology and his chief achievement in philosophy was the ontological argument for the existence of God. His work Cur Deus homo? taught that atonement for sins could only be achieved through Christ. He was canonized in 1494 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1720.
WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO NORTH AMERICAN MARTYRS PARISH
Our Mission Statement:
We, the North American Martyrs Parish, a strong community of faith, Nourished by the Holy Eucharist, Guided by the Holy Spirit and Trusting in the grace of God, Dedicate ourselves to live God’s Word and Let the light of Christ shine through our Community. We strive to provide sound religious formation for people of all ages; To care for the spiritual, social well-being of one another With particular attention to the stranger and the poor in our midst.
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ John 20:21
Upcoming Events
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
KEEP KIDS SAFE-ABUSE AWARENESS TRAINING
Did you know? The Diocese of Manchester requires all those who work with children and youth in our parishes, schools, and camps to complete "safe environment" training. This training teaches adults to recognize, and report suspected abuse and boundary violations. Training is offered free of charge to all NH Catholic adults and is available online at https://mancheser.cmgconnect.org
For more information about child safety, visit www.catholicnh.org/safety
- Prayer for Victims of Abuse
Christ calls each of us to reach out to victims of abuse in their time of need. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to help, but one effective way of expressing care and concern is through prayer. Please commit to praying on a regular basis for victims of abuse, particularly those abused by clergy or others representing the Catholic Church.
Prayer of Healing for Victims of Abuse
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear our cries as we agonize over the harm done to our brothers and sisters. Breathe wisdom into our prayers, soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness, enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, so that we may act with justice and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
If you have experienced abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, you are encouraged to contact the diocesan Coordinator of Healing and Pastoral Care at 603-669-3100.