St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas
Gospel Meditations
April 12, 2026
2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy)
John 20:19-31
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
©LPi
12 de abril de 2026
II Domingo de Pascua
Juan 20:19-31
II Domingo de Pascua
Juan 20:19-31
El misterio del Reino de Dios es comunicado por el evangelizador. Ese gran misterio es el que Jesús, en su vida terrena, trató de enseñar a sus discípulos, y ya resucitado, dio continuación a ese misterio. Lo demuestra el Evangelio de hoy: tres veces repite la frase tan necesitada en este tiempo que estamos viviendo: “¡La paz esté con ustedes!” (Juan 20:19). Jesús remarca la importancia de la paz para comunicar su enseñanza. El papa León XIV lo menciona en casi todos sus mensajes: “La paz se construye en el corazón y desde el corazón” y “La paz también requiere practicar la justicia”, por mencionar algunas frases que nos ayudan a reflexionar en su mensaje. Aunque las frases sean cortas, son profundas y nos ayudan a ver al Señor Resucitado, y así poder decir a los más cercanos, como los discípulos dijeron a Tomás: “Hemos visto al Señor” (Juan 20:25).
¿Tú qué haces específicamente para tener paz en tu corazón? ¿Cómo lo demuestras en casa, en el trabajo y en la escuela? Hoy celebramos el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia, que está muy relacionado con la paz. Este domingo fue instituido por san Juan Pablo II en el año 2000. Desde entonces, nos recuerda que ninguna persona en el mundo queda excluida de aportar su granito de arena por la paz y de demostrar la misericordia que existe en su corazón, para compartirla con su familia y con la sociedad. La valentía de anunciar la paz nunca termina. Pidamos, pues, con fe, este regalo para el mundo.
©LPi
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY BAPTIZED & CONFIRMED!
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
2pm Procession followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament3pm Divine Mercy Chaplet (Bilingual)
Adult Confirmations- Registrations now open!
Ready to complete your Sacraments and fully embrace your Catholic faith? Our Adult Confirmation classes begin April 26 at 3:00 PM and will take place over three consecutive Sundays. This is a meaningful opportunity to grow closer to Christ, receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and deepen your life in the Church.Registration is now open on our parish website—we invite you to take this next step in your
faith journey.
Visit: stmichaelgptx.org/adult-confirmation
New Parishioner Meet & Greet
Calling all new parishioners! If you have joined our parish in the past few months, we invite you to a “Meet and Greet” on Sunday, April 12 at 10am in Trinh Hall. During this session, we will introduce you to our many parish ministries, activities, events, and so much more. This is your chance to get involved in parish life and become part of our amazing community! Refreshments will be served.
Please use the link below to RSVP so we can prepare enough materials.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is just around the corner!
This year’s theme, “The Marvelous Mystery,” will focus on the beauty of the Mass and Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. Children ages 4–11 are invited to join us for a wonderful week filled with devotion, games, crafts, music, and prayer.
VBS Dates: July 20–24
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Dinner served at 5:30 PM)
Registration: June 6 & 7 after all Sunday Masses
We look forward to a joyful and faith-filled week with your children!
KofC Scholarships
The application for the 2026 Knights of Columbus scholarships are now open. This is open to all graduating High School Seniors. The Application can be downloaded from the Parish Website. Application deadline is May 15, 2026.
Prison Ministry
Donations for the upcoming retreat can be dropped off this weekend April 12th after all Masses, or pick-up by contacting Margie Mendoza (972-693-8349) or Alfred Mendoza (972-375-3559).
We also ask for your prayers during this weekend, that the men attending may experience conversion and grow closer to our Lord.
