Divine Mercy

We are just half way through the Novena of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The nine days cover nine offerings:

1. All mankind, especially sinners
2. Priests and Religious
3. All devout and faithful souls
4. Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him.
5. The souls of seperated brethren
6. Meek, humble and children.
7. Those who especially venerate the Mercy of God.
8. Those in Purgatory.
9. Those who are luke warm.

Jesus spoke a great deal to Sr Faustina while she was in her convent in Kracow. He asked her to have the image of Himself painted with the two coloured rays coming from His heart, red and blue and He asked that the words 'Jesus I Trust in You' be added (Jezu Ufam Tobie). Jesus explained to her, "The two rays denote Blood and Water. the pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. (Diary 299)" It is such an amazing gift of Grace to us. By turning to God and throwing ourselves on His Mercy we can avoid the fullness of His judgement and maybe help others avoid it too.

I am sure most of us deserve judgement. But Jesus said to St Faustina, "By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works." (Diary 742)

Jesus very much wanted St Faustina to speak out about His Mercy. There was an urgency to His message, as the horrors of the Second World War were approaching, but also He told her "You will prepare the world for My final coming." (Diary 429) He told her that time was running out and that we needed to call on His Mercy BEFORE He came as the just Judge.

She was told, "I bear a special love for Poland, and if she will be obedient to My will, I will exalt her in might and holiness. From her will come forth the spark that will prepare the world for My final coming."

Many people (including little ol'me) believe that spark was Pope John Paul the Great who worked so hard to ensure the collapse of Russia's errors and who died on the eve of Divine Mercy, just after hearing the vigil Mass.

There are many beautiful promises associated with the Chaplet and Feast of Divine Mercy which must be linked with the Feast of The Sacred Heart of Jesus given to us through St Margaret Mary Alacoque. We have been offered so much Love. It seems this is not the time to be ignoring it. A time is coming when no one can claim invincible ignorance. Turn to His Love and Mercy now and find comfort for the times ahead.

God bless

The Dairy of St Faustina is something well worth reading.