Fr. John's Reflection

In the Catholic Faith Tradition, it is understood that beginning in 1931 and through her death in 1938, Maria Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, received revelations and visits from Jesus, Himself. According to her diary, Christ dictated prayers that He wished Faustina to pray in a novena (a nine-day prayer) from Good Friday through the Octave of Easter, known as Divine Mercy Sunday.

On Divine Mercy Sunday, the Roman Catholic Church encourages the faithful to practice devotions, prayers, and participate in Mass in honor of the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ. This feast was extended to the entire Catholic Church by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000, the day that he canonized Faustina as a saint. On this Mercy Sunday, those attending liturgical celebrations, discover the beautiful image that Sister Faustina Kowalska saw in a vision as Jesus appeared to her telling her of His forever love for us and how this Sunday demonstrates the fullness of His enduring love. Christians are to know with confidence that an ocean of mercy and forgiveness will flow from Jesus’ Sacred Heart upon the World. Additionally, the image of Divine Mercy, which she experienced and commissioned a painting to capture His appearance, should be venerated on this day. As you observe from the image above, the two rays streaming from the heart of Jesus denote His blood (red) and water (white). The pale ray represents the water that makes souls righteous (for purification). The red ray stands for the blood which is the life of souls (God’s very life, the life-line to all of us) as children of God. His love and mercy flows from His Most Sacred Heart. Faustina reported that Jesus said, “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death [3 o’clock in the afternoon]. I myself will defend it as my own glory.” (Diary of St. Faustina,47-48).
Our Lord stated further, “Humankind will not have peace, until they turn to my mercy.” The inscription on the bottom of the painting of the image of Our Lord, reads “Jesus, I trust in You.” Jezu, Ufam, Tobie written in Polish is seen as the actual, personal signature of Christ as He signs it saying Trust in My Mercy. Trust is foundational to any relationship. Trust is the vessel of love and is foundational to faith. The world will experience true love as we trust in God’s enduring love.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus said to the Apostles “Peace be with you.” He made a promise to us that very day. He offers wholeness of life. Trust is the foundation of faith and trusting in God’s mercy is the foundation for love. Six years ago, Pope Francis celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday during the year he proclaimed a “Year of Mercy.” I was on the altar with Pope Francis when he stated: “Jesus’ friendship with us, His faithfulness, His mercy, are a priceless gift which encourages us to follow Him, trustingly . . . “ St. Faustina also said that during our journey of life, we are never alone as the Lord journeys with us. In the images of the Divine Mercy, it is said that St. Faustina believed that the gaze in Christ’s eyes mirrors the gaze of Jesus from the Cross. Let us look at this image and when we worry, when we feel fear, anxiety, guilt, discouragement, may we trustingly experience the Lord’s enduring love, God’s mercy. This Easter Season, through trust, let us be open to His embrace where He makes all things new – Trust in Him!

Easter Season Blessings,
Fr. John