Divine Mercy

   “But I trust in your mercy.  Grant my heart joy in your salvation, I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13: 6)

   Tomorrow we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, a day to focus on the mercy of our Lord and to give Him thanks and praise.  Catholics all over the world will rejoice in this beautiful celebration of Christ’s mercy.

   Jesus’ life was one of total mercy, love and compassion.  It was through His mercy that the blind saw, the deaf heard.  He mercifully cleansed the lepers and enabled the lame to walk.  Even as He hung on the cross He granted mercy to the thief who reached out to Him, assuring him that He would be with Him in paradise.  In His mercy He prayed saying, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” (Luke 23: 34).

   When life is hard, and our trials are difficult He is there, giving mercy and comfort.  When our cross is heavy and we can no longer carry it, Jesus takes on the role of Simeon, helping us carry that cross.  In many cases He not only carries our cross for us, He carries us as well.  His mercy in unbounded for those who believe.

   Jesus urged St. Faustina to write of her experiences with Jesus and His mercy.  He told her to ask His mercy for those in need, even when they would not ask it for themselves.  Prayers, both of St. Faustina and our own, please the Lord.  He wants to give mercy, and if those who most need it won’t ask, He encourages us to ask for them.  He promises that our prayers for them will be heard.

   As we come to the end of the Octave of Easter there is no more appropriate way to celebrate than that of giving Him praise and thanksgiving for the mercy He bestows on us and on the world.  It is through His mercy that we are saved.

Lord, You are Mercy itself.

You desire all to come to You.

In Your mercy You welcome them.

May those in need always seek that mercy.

Amen