# Divine Mercy Sunday: How Two Simple Prayers Can Wipe Out All Sins
*2020-04-12*

> Bill Young explains why Divine Mercy Sunday this year is open to everyone, outlines the two prayers needed for a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment, and offers a brief novena prayer for those who do not yet know God.

## Why Divine Mercy Sunday Matters Now

I hope you had a blessed Easter. As we continue to face the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, my heart goes especially to families dealing with childhood cancer. Their illness makes them especially vulnerable—both medically and financially. Jesus reminds us that "whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me." Divine Mercy Sunday gives us a unique opportunity to extend God's mercy to all, especially the most vulnerable.

## The Universal Offer of Forgiveness

Traditionally, the plenary indulgence of Divine Mercy Sunday is available to Catholics who are baptized, have received First Holy Communion, and go to confession and Holy Communion. This year, however, the Church is opening the graces to everyone—Catholics, non‑Catholics, atheists, and people of any faith. By praying two specific prayers—a sincere Act of Contrition and a Spiritual Communion—we can receive forgiveness of all sins and the removal of any temporal punishment, even for those who have never been baptized.

## The Two Prayers You Need

The prayers are short, each taking less than a minute. The Act of Contrition expresses sorrow for sin and a firm purpose of amendment. The Spiritual Communion expresses a desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist when physical communion is not possible. I will post the exact texts on the podcast site. All that is required is sincere repentance before God, who already knows our sins.

## Day Four of the Divine Mercy Novena

Today is the fourth day of the Divine Mercy Novena. The intention for this day is: "Lord, bring to me those souls who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know you." We pray this intention for the countless people who have never encountered Christ, asking that God's infinite mercy reach them.

## A Sample Prayer from the Novena

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls who do not believe in you and those who have not yet known you. Draw them to the light of the Gospel, that they may experience the joy of your love. Amen.

We also recite the Litany of Divine Mercy, which repeatedly proclaims, "Divine Mercy, I trust in you," affirming our confidence in God's boundless compassion.

*On Divine Mercy Sunday, a sincere heart and two short prayers can grant a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment for anyone, regardless of faith.*