Divine Mercy devotion gains popularity

Guest commentary by Msgr. L.M. Ziegmann
Posted April 24, 2003

On one occasion Jesus said, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Matt 9:13

Our Lord is a God of mercy and justice, these two balance each other. For us, the living, sinners as we are, we are so blessed that this divine justice is tempered by his mercy.

As early as Feb. 22, 1931 Jesus began appearing to the young Polish nun, Sister Faustina Kowalska. The visions continued until 1938. Sister, now St. Faustina, kept a diary recounting the visions and struggles to comprehend the messages and prepared to share them with the world.

Some of the requests of Jesus include having an image painted to represent this vision and with the motto "Jesus I trust in You." In the various revelations Jesus taught her about his mercy and it is unlimited and available to everyone, even the greatest of sinners.

Jesus revealed many ways for people to respond to his mercy in their daily lives. He gave her several promises for those who would trust in his mercy. Moreover, we are especially to show mercy to others.

Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II grew up just a few miles from her convent. From his early days as a priest, later archbishop, he promoted this amazing devotion.

An easy way to recall to mind the messages is to refer to the ABC's. "A" is to "ask" for his mercy, not just once in a while, but constantly. "B" is "be merciful." Jesus wants us not only to receive his mercy but wants us to let it flow through us to everyone. "C" is "complete trust." His mercies are dependent upon our trust.

The image Jesus requested has become very popular and can be found even in a number of non-Catholic churches and homes. The red rays represent the blood that flowed from his heart on Good Friday and the white ones the water. Water reminds us of baptism and the blood the Holy Eucharist. His heart pierced on Good Friday is a fountain of mercy for us.

Jesus died at three in the afternoon and he has requested that if possible we should be at prayer at this time although for most of us it might be a very short prayer at work. So even if only for a brief moment try to immerse oneself into his passion. This hour, of course, is the hour of great mercy and those praying at this time will find Jesus can refuse nothing to souls requesting of him in virtue of his passion.

Jesus also asked for a feast of Mercy to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. "On that day the very depths of my mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of my mercy."

The great sacraments of penance or reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist are deep fountains of mercy and should be received frequently with great trust and love and zeal. Jesus made this reception a condition of this great promise. "The soul who will go to confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment."

Jesus also taught St. Faustina the chaplet of mercy. Using the rosary beads these prayers should be offered. First the Lord's Prayer, then a Hail Mary and the Apostles' Creed. On the large beads pray, "Eternal Father, I offer you the body and blood, soul and divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world." Then on the ten small beads, "For the sake fo His sorrowful passion have mercy on us and on the whole world." At the conclusion prayer, "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." Repeat this last prayer three times.

As in all ages we need to the mercy of God. His justice can be most severe but when tempered with his mercy great blessings can happen even to the most hardened of sinners. "Yes, Jesus, I trust in you."