Tomorrow is called 'Low Sunday.' It is apparent that this name signifies the octave of the Easter celebrations, and because it is on a lower scale than the Highness of last Sunday. We hear about 'Doubting' Thomas. He didn't believe the Apostles when they said they had seen our Lord Jesus, he just didn't believe them. Jesus wouldn't do a miracle for Herod, and He won't do one just to make us believe. The following Sunday, Thomas did see and then believed. Jesus told him: "Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed. blessed are they who have not seen and have believed."
Our belief has not been perfect at all times. After hearing about an Apostle, Thomas, let's strive to do better. As our beloved Abbot states: 'Let us go to our Jesus, and say to Him: 'Thou art my Lord and my God! But alas! I have many times thought and acted as though thou wert my Lord and my God in some things, and not in others. Henceforth I will believe without seeing; for I would be of the number of those whom thou callest blessed!'
We believe first, and then we see things more clearly.
My Lord and my God, help my unbelief.
Also, on this, which is called a Greater Double rite; it is such a solemn day, NO feast, however great, is supposed to be kept on it. 'Mercy Sunday'? Could it be that JP2 bypassed the Church Canons when he started this, just as he did when he started the 'Luminous' mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of our Blessed Mother Mary. I think she knew what she was doing and how she wanted it said; better than the Holy Father when she asked for this devotion to begin.
I want to end with something for our Blessed Mother, for this is her day. We will congratulate her upon the Resurrection of her divine Son in the words of this sequence, taken from ancient missals of the churches of Germany. This is Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Give praise, O mother, to thy risen Jesus, Who reigns triumphant over the prince of death. Cease thy mourning; for Jesus, the Fruit of thy womb, is restored to life, and visits thee.
His death was thy cross; His Passion, the sword that cruelly pierced thy heart; but now, sing a hymn of joy, and be glad, because of His Resurrection.
He was crucified; but now He is risen from the tomb, and has taken thee to His heavenly court: pray to Him for us, we beseech thee, that we may rise from our sins to everlasting joy. Amen.
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