divine mercy for you
When Jesus appeared to the disciples, they had locked themselves in the upper room. They were fearful. Jesus came in even though the doors were locked and the first thing he proclaimed was “peace”. Jesus is coming to us every day. Even when our hearts are closed or occupied with other loves, Jesus is able to enter. When Jesus comes to us, he is offering peace. Peace is not only the absence of war, it is a supernatural gift which reveals a divine disposition. Peace is a gift for all humanity and for all the universe. The original order and goodness of the world at creation was the manifestation of divine peace. This was corrupted by sinfulness. Upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all sin is defeated. Peace reigns.
Jesus immediately offers the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, commanding them to forgive sins. The Sacrament of Confession forgives sins in the command of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants peace to reign in the hearts of his disciples through forgiveness of sins. This wonderful gift of forgiveness is available because of the mercy of God.
Mercy is the clemency of God. It is his nature to love and to forgive. The recipient of God’s love earns mercy. Those who present themselves to the Sacrament of Confession, will be met by mercy, the forgiving love of God. In 1931 Jesus appeared to St. Faustina Kowalska giving her the task to spread the message of Divine Mercy. The Divine Mercy celebration is on the Sunday after Easter. This day is powerful for us. It is a day when the Mercy of God is richly made available.
Among the devotions celebrated on Divine Mercy Sunday include the veneration of the hour of Mercy 3:00PM, the reading of the diary of St. Faustina (she recorded here apparition in this 600page diary), the veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy, recitation of the chaplet of Divine Mercy, celebration of the Sacrament of Confession and the reception of Holy Communion.
Jesus revealed to St. Faustina that mercy is God’s greatest attribute. God desires to offer you his mercy. He is willing to enter even when the doors are closed. He calms your fears. It is in the celebration of Divine Mercy that we begin to change the world. The peace of Christ reigns in our hearts and we share it with us in works of mercy daily.
Divine Mercy is offered for you. Let us take time to focus on the mercy of God that Jesus has revealed and provided in his resurrection. May the devotion of Divine Mercy grow in your heart and in your family. Praying a chaplet of Divine Mercy for a dying family member or anyone at the end of life, provides supernatural comfort and peace. Asking for mercy often through the Sacrament of Confession and Being merciful yourself will help grow the love of God. Also, totally trusting in Jesus Christ ensures our embrace of Divine Mercy. There is no other Prince of Peace, King of kings and lord of Lords, but Jesus. Jesus is the only one who has conquered death and he is the only one who authentically gives true peace to any troubled heart. May Divine Mercy offered for you bring you lasting peace.
Jesus thy Kingdom come! In my heart through Mary! -Fr. Gabriel