Divine Mercy.
But - what is mercy?
In simplest terms –
God made us out of love! He loved us into being.
But, human beings
always seem to turn away – this is called sin.
God calls us back
into relationship – this is called mercy.
Pope Francis likes to
use 2 examples:
-
Righteous man
stands in front of temple – look at me, I fast, tithe, thank God I’m not like
that tax collector - O God, have mercy
on me a sinner.
-
Woman caught
in act of adultery - let the one among you without sin be the first to cast a
stone at her.
Two extremes:
-
So sure I am
always so holy, good and right – I have no need of mercy
-
I have done
so many bad things, I cannot possibly be forgiven,
Today is called
Divine Mercy Sunday. Began by John Paul II.
Our Lord rose from
the tomb, and He met many people who had treated him badly.
The apostles and
disciples had run away and left Him.
Peter denied Him.
The only ones at the
cross were his mother, the holy women & John.
But instead of
condemning them, He was merciful.
Remember – Father,
forgive them, they know not what they do.
Or – to the thief on
the cross - Today you will be with me in paradise . . .
In 2000, JP II
canonized St. Faustina – She has furthered our understanding of Divine Mercy.
She wrote that - even at the moment of death - God extends
his hand in mercy!
Christ calls all
souls at the moment of death and offers the grace of conversion.
They are, of course
free to receive it or reject it.
This gives so many of
us great hope when our relatives and friends leave this life unprepared.
We see the beautiful
image of Divine Mercy - really an alternate image of the Sacred Heart
Flowing from heart -
rays.
Remember soldier took
lance and pierced Jesus heart - out flowed blood and water.
Red = blood =
Eucharist
White = water = Baptism
Loving heart of
Savior calls - come for forgiveness, healing & salvation
ABC’s
1) Ask for mercy –
especially in Confession
Whose sins you
forgive and forgiven them
St. Faustina was
told:
- when you approach
confession. Know that I myself am waiting there for you.
- I am only hidden by
the priest, but I myself act in your soul
- Here the misery of
the soul meets the mercy of God
2) Be merciful
Corporal &
Spiritual Works of Mercy.
3) Completely trust
in Jesus!
He has broken power
of death - wants us to be with him forever.
Lord Jesus, be merciful to me, a sinner – Have mercy on us and on the whole
world!
