Thanks to Adrienne for this lovely rendition of the Image.
"The Divine Mercy image is the image of the risen Christ on that first Easter on the evening of the Resurrection, miraculously appearing there in the Upper Room and bestowing on the Apostles the power of the Holy Spirit to forgive sins. His hand is raised in blessing, he shows them His wounds, and Jesus is looking for their trust. Recall that St. Thomas, the doubter, was not there on that first Easter Sunday, but was actually there on the "Second Sunday of Easter", the very first Divine Mercy Sunday. Now we can see why Jesus insisted that the Divine Mercy image, with the words "Jesus, I trust in You" be in view and venerated in our churches on that day."
Source
I went to early Mass this morning. Fr. W. was visiting and I LOVE Fr. W. with all my heart. Even though the image was not displayed and he did not say the words "Divine Mercy" or "St. Faustina," his entire homily was about love and mercy. In fact it was better, more though-provoking and faith building than what I heard Fr. Cambra preach from Stockbridge, MA via EWTN this morning.
After Mass I made sure to speak to Fr. W and thank him for the wonderful homily. I might be getting obnoxious about spreading the message of mercy but I said to him, "Father, it's Divine Mercy Sunday and your homily was all about Divine Mercy. THANK YOU!"
This last week has been trying due to a situation in my parish. This situation will not be resolved any time soon. However, as I contemplated Fr. W's words this morning I realized that God loves everyone involved in this problem at church. He loves the obnoxious trads, He loves the flaming liberals and He loves everyone inbetween. He loves those who give gobs of money to the collection plate and He loves those that are sending their funds elsewhere in protest of a recent decision made by our priest. In fact, God loves us because He created us and not for anything we do, even in His name.
God's mercy is such a relief! If I had to depend on myself to get to heaven...well, I don't even want to think about that!
O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to Your mercy–to Your compassion, O God; and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth's exiles! O Lord, Goodness beyond our understanding, Who are acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our power we cannot ascend to You, we implore You, anticipate us with Your grace and keep on increasing Your mercy in us, that we may faithfully do Your holy will all through our life and at death's hour, Let the omnipotence of Your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation's enemies, that we may with confidence, as Your children, await Your final coming-that day known to You alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness. For Jesus is our Hope: Through His merciful Heart as through an open gate we pass through to heaven.
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