Homily of then-Archbishop Justin Rigali on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2003 in the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis.

"Give thanks to the Lord ... his mercy endures forever."

Today the word of God tells the story of how the early community of the Church exercised mercy. It likewise explains the full story of God's mercy in the institution of the Sacrament of Penance for the forgiveness of sins. Mercy is revealed as God's love in the face of our sins, our needs, our weaknesses. Our response to Divine Mercy is found in these words: "Jesus, I trust in you."