King of Mercy

To complete this trio of related blogs, we have Divine Mercy Sunday as the backdrop. In speaking of "God is love," there is so much depth to plumb, so many ways to try and explore the richness of those words as they relate to our daily journey. The notion of mercy is inexplicable tied to the truth That God is love.

Blessed John Paul II’s encyclical, Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy, 1981), tells us that mercy is love’s second name. This God who is love, can also be known by the name of Mercy. Dives in Misericordia also tells us that mercy is God’s greatest attribute. And while we toil away on earth we have full access to His treasure trove of mercy. The time for His mercy is right now! (It is true that at the moment of death mercy ends and justice begins – so please, don’t delay.)

Don’t just sip in His mercy. Drink fully of it. God desires us to be totally free, to be fully alive in Him. He wants us to accept His love, His grace, His peace, His mercy. When you find yourself frightened, turn to Him who is love. When you find yourself in need, turn to Him who is grace. When you find yourself in turmoil, turn to Him who is peace. When you find yourself mired in sin, turn to Him who is mercy. When you find yourself frightened or anxious or uncertain or desperate or lonely or sad or wounded or naked or tired or cold or abandoned turn to Him who is your Creator, your “Abba,” your Daddy, your Father. 

Return to the sacraments. Stop wallowing and head to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After that, return to Holy Communion. Stay close to the Lord through prayer, fasting and alms giving. Then trust in His mercy!

Saint Gemma Galgani once said, “If I saw the gates of Hell open and I stood on the brink of the abyss, I should not despair; I should not lose hope of mercy, because I should trust in You, my God.” What beautiful words of encouragement. We need to be like Saint Gemma and to trust in God’s mercy, no matter what befalls us. Similarly, Saint Faustina Kowalska tells us, “Oh, how beyond comprehension is God's mercy! But, horror, there are also souls who voluntarily and consciously reject and scorn this grace!”

Do not be the person of whom Saint Faustina speaks. Humble yourself and accept His love, His grace, His peace, His mercy. You will be eternally grateful you did.

Jesus, King of Mercy, I trust in you.