"There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy, neither will misery exhaust it, because as it is being granted – it increases. The soul that trusts in My mercy is most fortunate, because I Myself take care of it.’” (1273, page 459) -From Diary of St. Faustina
One Saturday morning I was working out at Big Sky. There was a man next to me on the step mill. I usually keep to myself during my time at the gym, but I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit. He wanted me to speak to this man. Really Lord, what do I say? I noticed his tattoos on his arm, so I said "hello" and then proceeded to ask him "can I ask what your tattoo means?" He responded by saying that it represented the day of the dead. He continued the conversation by saying that he believes his soul goes somewhere after death but unsure where. We were going back and forth on the topic of Heaven, Hell, the afterlife, good, evil, God and redemption. He continued by telling me that he knows he will probably be in Hell because of all of the things he has done in his past. He did not go into detail, but I could tell he was carrying a lot of guilt. I informed him that Jesus is very merciful and kind. And that he is very approachable no matter what you have done. He didn't seem to believe me and we ended the conversation by exchaging names. As I got off the step mill, I said "nice to meet you" and that was the last time I spoke with this man. I am not sure if anything came out of that conversation but I know that I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I pray for him daily that he comes to know the mercy of Jesus.
This year, Divine Mercy Sunday is April 16th. It is always the Sunday after Easter. Divine Mercy is a devotion in the Catholic church and also a message to humanity. I actually became aquainted with it eight years ago when I was going through my conversion. I have seen pictures of Divine Mercy but never really took the time to search what it was all about. I just thought it was a picture of Jesus. The message of Divine Mercy is that of complete forgiveness and love. It is a message of Hope. When Jesus appeared to St. Faustina in the late 1930's, He asked her to bring the message to the world and by saying the chaplet to help sinners return to Him. He said "this is the last chance for humanity." This message is nothing new. God revealed Himself from the very beginning of time through many prophets in the Old Testament and with the new covenant which is Jesus. His love is relenting and never gives up.
So, how does Divine Mercy help with healing? And how can I benefit from it? According to the webster dictionary, "Mercy is showing compassion or forgiveness towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm." It is a parent who is compassionate towards their son/daughter after wrecking the family car while driving drunk. It is also a spouse forgiving their significant other after hearing about an affair. It is a teacher helping a student who has been rebellious and rude. It is an aunt not getting upset after her nephew broke the window while playing baseball. Life has a share of heartache and pain. The human response after being hurt, is to lash out and get back at those who have hurt us and to take revenge. I am sure you have heard the saying "an eye for an eye." But Jesus says in Matthew 5:38-40 "But I say to you, if anyone strikes you on the right cheeck, turn to him the other also." Reacting with anger or getting even only makes that emotional hole deeper. It brings us into darkness. God wants us to show mercy and forgiveness to others, just as He has shown mercy to us. In order to give mercy, we need to have recieved mercy either from someone or from God.
Many of us walk aroung with chains (emotional and spiritual) of guilt, regret, anger and unforgiveness. Some of us believe that the damage has already been done and there is no hope. These lies are from the enemy. There is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel. The devil wants to keep us in regret, in guilt, and in oppresion. We are made to be free and those chains can be broken by the power of Jesus. There is also a psychological reference when we think that God is not approachable or would never fogive us. These thoughts and feelings come from our moms or dads. If mom or dad was not forgiving, not merciful, then we are going to think God is that way. But that is furthest from the truth. He is not like our earthly parents. He is love and mercy itself. It doesn't matter about your past, no matter what you have done. Jesus is Lord and He wants to heal you. He is the Divine Physician. When we pray with people in the Unbound Ministry, we ask Jesus for help with whatever we want. For example, if we want to Forgive someone we pray "In the name of Jesus, I forgive my friend who betrayed me" or "In the name of Jesus I renounce anxiety, addiction, the spirit of anger etc." Unbound Prayer is very powerful and many people have been set free in this ministry. Miracles do happen.
In Conclusion: Jesus is very kind and merciful. He is waiting for your return. He will not refuse a heart that comes back to him no matter what that person has done. Don't be consumed by the world's message of anger and revenge. Remember that only leads to darkness. Go to the light where Jesus is, you won't be disapponted.
About the Author: Donna L. Marotto is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Director of Faith Formation and a Lay Franciscan. She sees people one on one for counseling, and directs healing retreats. If you would like to contact her, please email her at marottodonna8@gmail.com or visit her website at Youarelovedministry.com