Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Thursday, December 31

Humble Simplicity
A Summary

Conclusion of the Retreat.

Last Conversation with the Lord.

Thank you, Eternal Love, for Your inconceivable kindness to me, that You would occupy Yourself directly with my sanctification. — My daughter, let three virtues adorn you in a particular way: humility, purity of intention, and love. Do nothing beyond what I demand of you, and accept everything that My hand gives you. Strive for a life of recollection so that you can hear My voice, which is so soft that only recollected souls can hear it ... (Diary, 1779).

My Prayer Response:
Thank You, Lord, for summarizing Your teaching on sanctification that we should practice three special virtues: humility, purity of intention, and love. Help us to be recollected, so we can always hear Your voice teaching us. Bless us, Lord, in the New Year. Help us put this teaching into practice.

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, December 30 Humble Simplicity Purity of Intention When I was apologizing to the Lord Jesus for a certain action of mine which, a little later, turned out to be imperfect, Jesus put me at ease with these words: My daughter, I reward you for the purity of your intention which you had at the time when you acted. My Heart rejoiced that you had My love under consideration at the time you acted, and that in so distinct a way; and even now you still derive benefit from this; that is, from the humiliation. Yes, My child, I want you to always have such great purity of intention in the very least things you undertake (Diary, 1566). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the lesson You taught St. Faustina about the purity of intention for our actions that delight You even if what we do is not perfect Purify my heart, O Lord. DECEMBER 30, 2020 "When we serve the poor and the sick we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus." — St. Rose of Lima

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, December 29 Humble Simplicity Simplicity Is More Pleasing ... I saw myself in some kind of a palace; and Jesus gave me His hand, sat me at His side, and said with kindness, My bride, you always please Me by your humility. The greatest misery does not stop Me from uniting Myself to a soul, but where there is pride, I am not there (Diary, 1563). February 27, [1938]. Today, I went to confession to Father An. [Andrasz] I did as Jesus wanted. After confession, a surge of light filled my soul. Then I heard a voice: Because you are a child, you shall remain close to My Heart. Your simplicity is more pleasing to Me than your mortifications (Diary, 1617). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your teaching to St. Faustina that You are always pleased by humility and that simplicity is more pleasing to You than mortifications.

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, December 28 Humble Simplicity Cuddling Close to Jesus' Heart Today I heard these words: My daughter, be always like a little child towards those who represent Me, otherwise you will not benefit from the graces I bestow on you through them (Diary, 1260). Today during Holy Mass, I saw the Infant Jesus near my kneeler. He appeared to be about one year old, and He asked me to take Him in my arms. When I did take Him in my arms, He cuddled up close to my bosom and said, It is good for Me to be close to your heart. "Although You are so little, I know that You are God. Why do You take the appearance of such a little baby to commune with me?" Because I want to teach you spiritual childhood. I want you to be very little, because when you are little, I carry you close to My Heart, just as you are holding Me close to your heart right now (Diary, 1481). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, You delight in our cuddling close to Your Heart, so You can teach us spiritual childhood. Thank You for the example of St. Faustina. DECEMBER 28, 2020 "We must always remember that God does everything well, although we may not see the reason of what He does." — St. Philip Neri

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, December 27 Humble Simplicity Telling Jesus Everything Today, the Lord said to me, My daughter, I am told that there is much simplicity in you, so why do you not tell Me about everything that concerns you, even the smallest details? Tell Me about everything, and know that this will give Me great joy. I answered, "But You know about everything, Lord." And Jesus replied to me, Yes, I do know; but you should no t excuse yourself with the fact that I know, but with childlike simplicity talk to Me about everything, for My ears and heart are inclined towards you, and your words are dear to Me (Diary, 921). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, in childlike simplicity, help me talk with You about everything, because You delight in our conversing with You and in our trust in You. DECEMBER 27, 2020 "O Holy Family—the Family so closely united to the mystery which we contemplate on the day of the Lord's Birth—guide with your example the families of the whole earth!" — Pope St. John Paul II

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, December 26 Humble Simplicity Again, the Lesson of Humility A moment later, I again saw the child who had awakened me. It was of wondrous beauty and repeated these words to me, True greatness of the soul is in loving God and in humility. I asked the child, "How do you know that true greatness of the soul is in loving God and in humility? Only theologians know about such things and you haven't even learned the catechism. So how do you know?" To this He answered, I know; I know all things. And with that, He disappeared (Diary, 427). The day of the renewal of vows. The presence of God flooded my soul. During Holy Mass I saw Jesus, and He said to me, You are My great joy; your love and your humility make Me leave the heavenly throne and unite Myself with you. Love fills up the abyss that exists between My greatness and your nothingness (Diary, 512). My Prayer Response: Lord, again You appeared as a child to St. Faustina and repeated Your teaching: True greatness of the soul is in loving God and in humility. Lord, make me humble. DECEMBER 26, 2020 "In a world gone astray from God there is no peace, but it also lacks charity, which is true and perfect love... Nothing is more beautiful than love. Indeed, faith and hope will end when we die, whereas love, that is, charity, will last for eternity." — Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Christmas Day mercy minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, December 25 Humble Simplicity True Greatness In the evening, I just about got into bed, and I fell asleep immediately. Though I fell asleep quickly, I was awakened even more quickly. A little child came and woke me up. The child seemed about a year old, and I was surprised it could speak so well, as children of that age either do not speak or speak very indistinctly. The child was beautiful beyond words and resembled the Child Jesus, and he said to me, Look at the sky. And when I looked at the sky I saw the stars and the moon shining. Then the child asked me, Do you see this moon and these stars? When I said yes, he spoke these words to me, These stars are the souls of faithful Christians, and the moon is the souls of religious. Do you see how great the difference is between the light of the moon and the light of the stars? Such is the difference in heaven between the soul of a religious and the soul of a faithful Christian. And he went on to say that, True greatness is in loving God and in humility (Diary, 424). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, may I learn that true greatness is in loving You and in humility. May I learn to come to You as a child. DECEMBER 25, 2020 "If we approach with faith, we too will see Jesus ... for the Eucharistic table takes the place of the crib. Here the Body of the Lord is present, wrapped not in swaddling clothes but in the rays of the Holy Spirit." — St. John Chrysostom

Christmas Eve Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, December 24 Humble Simplicity A Childlike Spirit Holy Hour. During this hour, I tried to meditate on the Lord's Passion. But my soul was filled with joy, and suddenly I saw the Child Jesus. But His majesty penetrated me to such an extent that I said, "Jesus, You are so little, and yet I know that You are my Creator and Lord." And Jesus answered me, I am, and I keep company with you as a child to teach you humility and simplicity (Diary, 184). Thursday. When I started the Holy Hour, I wanted to immerse myself in the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives. Then I heard a voice in my soul: Meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation. And suddenly the Infant Jesus appeared before me, radiant with beauty. He told me how much God is pleased with simplicity in a soul Although My greatness is beyond understanding, I commune only with those who are little. I demand of you a childlike spirit (Diary, 332). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, teach me humility and simplicity. May I be childlike in my willingness and openness to learn. May I have a childlike spirit to grasp Your greatness.

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, December 23 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Four: With a Perfect Soul Jesus: But child, you are not yet in your homeland; so go, fortified by My grace, and fight for My kingdom in human souls; fight as a king's child would; and remember that the days of your exile will pass quickly, and with them the possibility of earning merit for heaven. I expect from you, My child, a great number of souls who will glorify My mercy for all eternity. My child, that you may answer My call worthily, receive Me daily in Holy Communion. It will give you strength ... (Diary, 1489). Soul: Your response. My Prayer Response: My Lord Jesus, strengthen me with Yourself in Holy Communion to proclaim Your merciful love, so many souls will glorify Your mercy for all eternity. DECEMBER 23, 2020 "Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you - for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart." — St. Therese of Lisieux

Thank you to all who read my daily Mercy Minutes.

I want to appologise because I didn't realize until just now, that I neglected to post my Mercy Minutes this moring. When you get old, sometimes your mind just doesn't work too well. I certainly will post it tomorrow morning and thank you for reading my blog daily. Sue

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, December 21 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Two: With a Perfect Soul Jesus: My beloved child, delight of My Heart, your words are dearer and more pleasing to Me than the angelic chorus. All the treasures of My Heart are open to you. Take from this Heart all that you need for yourself and for the whole world. For the sake of your love, I withhold the just chastisements, which mankind has deserved. A single act of pure love pleases Me more than a thousand imperfect prayers. One of your sighs of love atones for many offenses with which the godless overwhelm Me (Diary, 1489). My Prayer Response: My Lord Jesus, thank You for opening Your Heart with all its treasures. I take all I need for myself and for the whole world. What a loving God You are! The Church and the whole world need a sovereign act of Your mercy now! DECEMBER 21, 2020 "If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him." — St. Louis De Montfort

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, December 20 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part One: With a Perfect Soul Soul: My Lord and Master, I desire to converse with You. Jesus: Speak, My beloved child, for I am always listening. I wait for you. What do you desire to say? Soul: Your response. Jesus: Your words please Me, and your thanksgiving opens up new treasures of graces. But, My child, we should talk in more detail about the things that lie in your heart. Let us talk confidentially and frankly, as two hearts that love one another do (Diary, 1489). Soul: Your response My Prayer Response: My Lord Jesus, I want to love You more. I want to be faithful to Your will. I want to desire and long for You. I want to live the exhortation of St. Paul: "Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, in all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus regarding you all" (1 Thess 5:16-18). DECEMBER 20, 2020 "If you wish to go to extremes, let it be in sweetness, patience, humility and charity." — St. Philip Neri

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, December 19 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Three: With a Soul Striving after Perfection Jesus: My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for My kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life — for yourself, but also for other souls, especially such as are distrustful of My goodness (Diary, 1488). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, I take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life. Help me to trust You even more! Help all souls striving for perfection to increase their capacity to trust in You. DECEMBER 19, 2020 "And I saw that truly nothing happens by accident or luck, but everything by God's wise providence ... for matters that have been in God's foreseeing wisdom, since before time began, befall us suddenly, all unawares; and so in our blindness and ignorance we say that this is accident or luck, but to our Lord God it is not so." — St. Juliana of Norwich

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, December 18 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Two: With a Soul Striving after Perfection Jesus: My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. These will deprive you of the ability to practice virtue. All temptations united together ought not disturb your interior peace, not even momentarily. Sensitiveness and discouragement are the fruits of self-love. You should not become discouraged, but strive to make My love reign in place of your self-love. Have confidence, My child. Do not lose heart in coming for pardon, for I am always ready to forgive you. As often as you beg for it, you glorify My mercy (Diary, 1488). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, You certainly put Your finger on my problem — exaggerated anxiety. Help me to make Your love reign in place of my self-love. Help me with Your mercy. DECEMBER 18, 2020 "There are two ways of knowing how good God is: one is never to lose Him, and the other is to lose Him and then to find Him." — Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, December 17 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part One: With a Soul Striving after Perfection Jesus: I am pleased with your efforts, O soul aspiring for perfection, but why do I see you so often sad and depressed? Tell Me, My child, what is the meaning of this sadness, and what is its cause? Soul: Your response. Jesus: You see, My child, what you are of yourself. The cause of your falls is that you rely too much upon yourself and too little on Me. But let this not sadden you so much. You are dealing with the God of mercy, which your misery cannot exhaust. Remember, I did not allot only a certain number of pardons (Diary, 1488). Soul: Your response. My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, You know my miseries better than I do. I want to do better. I want to rely more on You. Help me to plunge into the ocean of Your mercies, so my miseries may be transformed into a plea for mercy on the whole world. DECEMBER 17, 2020 "Upon receiving Holy Communion, the Adorable Blood of Jesus Christ really flows in our veins and His Flesh is really blended with ours." — St. John Vianney

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, December 16 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Six: With a Suffering Soul Jesus: My child, make the resolution never to rely on people. Entrust yourself completely to My will saying, "Not as I want, but according to Your will, O God, let it be done unto me." These words, spoken from the depths of one's heart, can raise a soul to the summit of sanctity in a short time. In such a soul I delight. Such a soul gives Me glory. Such a soul fills heaven with the fragrance of her virtue. But understand that the strength by which you bear sufferings comes from frequent Communions. So approach this fountain of mercy often, to draw with the vessel of trust whatever you need (Diary, 1487). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, I entrust myself completely to You. "Not my will, but Yours be done unto me. " May I draw strength to bear the cross You offer me by drawing strength from Holy Communion, both Sacramental and Spiritual Communions. DECEMBER 16, 2020 "Let us love the Cross and let us remember that we are not alone in carrying it. God is helping us. And in God who is comforting us, as St. Paul says, we can do anything." — St. Gianna Molla

Tuesday's Mercy Minutres...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, December 15 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Five: With a Suffering Soul Jesus: Know, too, that the darkness about which you complain I first endured in the Garden of Olives when My Soul was crushed in mortal anguish. I am giving you a share in those sufferings because of My special love for you and in view of the high degree of holiness I am intending for you in heaven. A suffering soul is closest to My Heart (Diary, 1487). Soul: Your response. My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for suffering out of love for me. Thank You for giving me a share in Your suffering in view of what You have prepared for me in heaven. Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska DECEMBER 15, 2020 "Every pious desire, every good thought, every charitable work inspired by the love of Jesus, contributes to the perfection of the whole body of the faithful. A person who does nothing more than lovingly pray to God for his brethren, participates in the great work of saving souls." — Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, December 14 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Four: With a Suffering Soul Jesus: Well, My child, this time you have told Me a good deal. I realize how painful it is not to be understood, and especially by those whom one loves and with whom one has been very open. But suffice it to know that I understand all your troubles and misery. I am pleased by the deep faith you have, despite everything, in My representatives. Learn from this that no one will understand a soul entirely — that is beyond human ability. Therefore, I have remained on earth to comfort your aching heart and to fortify your soul, so that you will not falter on the way. You say that a dense darkness is obscuring your mind. But why, at such times, do you not come to Me, the light who can in an instant pour into your soul more understanding about holiness than can be found in any books? (Diary, 1487). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Jesus, for understanding all my troubles and miseries. Help me to come to You for light and comfort that only You can give me. DECEMBER 14, 2020 "Only he will receive, will find, and will enter who perseveres in asking, seeking and knocking." — St. Louis de Montfort

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, December 13 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Three: With a Suffering Soul Jesus: True, My child, all that is painful. But there is no way to heaven except the way of the cross. I followed it first. You must learn that it is the shortest and surest way. Soul: Your response. Jesus: It is because you are not of this world that the world hates you. First it persecuted Me. Persecution is a sign that you are following in My footsteps faithfully (Diary, 1487). Soul: Your response. My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, help me to learn with my heart what I know with my head, that the cross is the only, shortest, and surest way to heaven. You led the way first. Give me the strength to follow. DECEMBER 13, 2020 "Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope." — Pope Benedict XVI

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, December 12 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Two: With a Suffering Soul Jesus: My child, do not be discouraged. I know your boundless trust in Me; I know you are aware of My goodness and mercy. Let us talk in detail about everything that weighs so heavily upon your heart. Soul: Your response. Jesus: Talk to Me simply, as a friend to a friend. Tell Me now, My child, what hinders you from advancing in holiness? (Diary, 1487). Soul: Your response. My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, please help me to talk to You freely about things that weigh upon my heart. And also help me to listen to You as You direct me in my response to these painful situations. DECEMBER 12, 2020 "Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did." — St. Maximilian Kolbe

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, December 11 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part One: With a Suffering Soul Jesus: Poor soul, I see that you suffer much and that you do not have even the strength to converse with Me. So I will speak to you. Even though your sufferings were very great, do not lose heart or give in to despondency. But tell Me, My child, who has dared to wound your heart? Tell Me about everything, be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them, and your suffering will become a source of your sanctification (Diary, 1487). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, in my suffering I reveal the wounds of my heart, so You may heal them. May my suffering become a source of my sanctification.DECEMBER 11, 2020 "He who carries God in his heart bears heaven with him wherever he goes." — St. Ignatius of Loyola

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, December 10 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Four: With a Despairing Soul Jesus: Tell Me all, My child, hide nothing from Me, because My loving Heart, the Heart of your Best Friend, is listening to you. Soul: Your response. Jesus (interrupting): Do not be absorbed in your misery — you are still too weak to speak of it — but, rather, gaze on My Heart filled with goodness, and be imbued with My sentiments. Strive for meekness and humility; be merciful to others, as I am to you; and, when you feel your strength failing, if you come to the fountain of mercy to fortify your soul, you will not grow weary on your journey (Diary, 1486). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, draw souls overwhelmed by their miseries to gaze at Your Heart filled with goodness. Draw them to the fountain of mercy to strengthen them on their journey. Teach them to be meek and humble. And teach them to be merciful as You are to them.DECEMBER 10, 2020 "He who enters into the secret place of his own soul passes beyond himself, and does in very truth ascend to God. Banish, therefore, from thy heart the distractions of earth and turn thine eyes to spiritual joys, that thou mayest learn at last to repose in the light of the contemplation of God." — St. Albert the Great

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, December 9 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Three: With a Despairing Soul Jesus: My child, all your sins have not wounded My Heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does — that after so many efforts of My love and mercy, you should still doubt My goodness. Soul: Your response. Jesus: Here, soul, are all the treasures of My Heart. Take everything you need from it (Diary, 1486). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, draw souls in despair to trust in You and not to doubt Your goodness. Share with them all the treasure. DECEMBER 9, 2020 "May the Holy Spirit enkindle you with the fire of His Love so that you may persevere, unfailingly, in the love of His service. Thus you may merit to become, at last, a living stone in the celestial Jerusalem." — St. Hildegard von Bingen

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, December 8 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Two: With a Despairing Soul Jesus: What joy fills My Heart when you return to Me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of My Father. Soul (as if awakening, asks fearfully): Your response. Jesus: ... My child. You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life (Diary, 1486). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, shine Your rays of warmth and life into the darkness of souls who are despairing. Claim such souls by the grace of Your mercy. And keep me, Lord, from ever despairing of Your mercy.

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, December 7 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part One: With a Despairing Soul Jesus: O soul steeped in darkness, ... . Come and confide in your God, who is love and mercy. — But the soul, deaf even to this appeal, wraps itself in darkness. Jesus calls out again: My child, listen to the voice of your merciful Father. — In the soul arises this reply: "For me there is no mercy," and it falls into greater darkness ... . Jesus calls to the soul a third time, but the soul remains deaf and blind, hardened and despairing. Then the mercy of God begins to exert itself, and, without any co-operation from the soul, God grants it final grace. ... The soul knows that this, for her, is final grace and, should it show even a flicker of good will, the mercy of God will accomplish the rest. My omnipotent mercy is active here. Happy the soul that takes advantage of this grace (Diary, 1486). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, Your all-powerful mercy is active in the despairing soul. Continue to give it graces.

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, December 6 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Four: With a Sinful Soul Jesus: Child, speak no more of your misery; it is already forgotten. Listen, My child, to what I desire to tell you. Come close to My wounds and draw from the Fountain of Life whatever your heart desires. Drink copiously from the Fountain of Life and you will not weary on your journey. Look at the splendor of My mercy and do not fear the enemies of your salvation. Glorify My mercy (Diary, 1485). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, I draw close to You in the Blessed Sacrament and drink from the Fountain of Life for strength on my journey. I glorify Your mercy. DECEMBER 6, 2020 "To use this life well is the pathway through death to everlasting life." — St. John Almond

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, December 5 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Three: With a Sinful Soul Jesus: My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world. Who can measure the extent of My goodness? For you I descended from heaven to earth; for you I allowed Myself to be nailed to the cross; for you I let My Sacred Heart be pierced with a lance, thus opening wide the source of mercy for you. Come, then, with trust to draw graces from this fountain. I never reject a contrite heart. Your misery has disappeared in the depths of My mercy. Do not argue with Me about your wretchedness. You will give Me pleasure if you hand over to Me all your troubles and griefs. I shall heap upon you the treasures of My grace (Diary, 1485). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, reveal to souls that Your mercy is greater than all the sins of the world. Draw us to Your Sacred Heart, so our miseries may disappear in the depths of Your mercy. Have mercy on us all. DECEMBER 5, 2020 "To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement." — St. Augustine of Hippo

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, December 4 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part Two: With a Sinful Soul Jesus: I am your strength, I will help you in the struggle. Soul: Your response. Jesus: My child, do you fear the God of mercy? My holiness does not prevent Me from being merciful. Behold, for you I have established a throne of mercy on earth — the tabernacle — and from this throne I desire to enter into your heart. I am not surrounded by a retinue or guards. You can come to Me at any moment, at any time; I want to speak to you and desire to grant you grace (Diary, 1485). Soul: Your response. My Prayer Response: Lord, before the throne of mercy on earth, the tabernacle of Your Eucharistic Presence, I ask for mercy for souls that are afraid of You. Be especially merciful to them and draw them to Yourself. DECEMBER 4, 2020 "Be patient, because the weaknesses of the body are given to us in this world by God for the salvation of the soul. So they are of great merit when they are borne patiently." — St. Francis of Assisi

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, December 3 Conversations with the Merciful Savior Part One: With a Sinful Soul The Goodness of God. The mercy of God, hidden in the Blessed Sacrament, the voice of the Lord who speaks to us from the throne of mercy: Come to Me, all of you. Conversation of the Merciful God with a Sinful Soul. Jesus: Be not afraid of your Savior, O sinful soul. I make the first move to come to you, for I know that by yourself you are unable to lift yourself to Me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish His graces on you. How dear your soul is to Me! I have inscribed your name upon My hand; you are engraved as a deep wound in My Heart (Diary, 1485). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, reach out to us sinful souls. Take the first steps toward us. In our need and shame, we are afraid to approach You. So, please draw us with compassionate mercy to Your loving Heart.

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, December 2 End Times and Eternal Life This Vale of Tears When I met with the Lord, I said to Him, "You are fooling me, Jesus; You show me the open gate of heaven, and again You leave me on earth. " The Lord said to me, When, in heaven, you see these present days, you will rejoice and will want to see as many of them as possible. I am not surprised, My daughter, that you cannot understand this now, because your heart is overflowing with pain and longing for Me. Your vigilance pleases Me. Let My word be enough for you; it will not be long now (Diary, 1787). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, I long to see Your face and rejoice in Your presence as I live in this vale of tears. Give me courage, Lord, to persevere in serving You until You call me home to be with You forever. DECEMBER 2, 2020 "The adorable Heart of Jesus is our comfort, our way, our life." — St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, December 1 End Times and Eternal Life To the Full When I received Holy Communion, I said to Him, "Jesus, I thought about You so many times last night," and Jesus answered me, And I thought of you before I called you into being. "Jesus, in what way were You thinking about me?" In terms of admitting you to My eternal happiness. After these words, my soul was flooded with the love of God. I could not stop marveling at how much God loves us (Diary, 1292). On my way to the veranda, I went into the chapel for a moment. My heart was plunged in profound adoration, praising God's incomprehensible goodness and His mercy. Then I heard these words in my soul: I am and will be for you such as you praise Me for being. You shall experience My goodness, already in this life and then, to the full, in the life to come (Diary, 1707). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, may I think of You and praise and thank You more fervently and constantly in anticipation of what You have prepared in heaven for me and all those who love You!

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, November 30 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail End Times and Eternal Life The Beauty of Heaven I went across the garden one afternoon and stopped on the shore of the lake; I stood there for a long time, contemplating my surroundings. Suddenly, I saw the Lord Jesus near me, and He graciously said to me, All this I created for you, My spouse; and know that all this beauty is nothing compared to what I have prepared for you in eternity (Diary, 158). "You know very well, O Jesus, that I am constantly swooning because of my longing for You." Know this, My daughter, that you are already tasting now what other souls will obtain only in eternity (Diary, 969). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, the sight of the beauty of Your creation stirs up within me a desire to see the beauty of heaven. "Draw me with Your love that I may be drawn" (Fr. Hauschert, SJ). NOVEMBER 30, 2020 "We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty." — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, November 29 End Times and Eternal Life Part Two: Convents and Churches How can they sit on the promised throne of judgment to judge the world, when their guilt is greater than the guilt of the world? There is neither penance nor atonement. O heart, which received Me in the morning and at noon are all ablaze with hatred against Me, hatred of all sorts! O heart specially chosen by Me, were you chosen for this, to give Me more pain? (Diary, 1702). When I tried to intercede for them, I could find nothing with which to excuse them and, being at the time unable to think of anything in their defense, my heart was seized with pain, and I wept bitterly. Then the Lord looked at me kindly and comforted me with these words: Do not cry. There are still a great number of souls who love Me very much, but My Heart desires to be loved by all and, because My love is great, that is why I warn and chastise them (Diary, 1703). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, raise up many faithful people who love You with a great fervor! Set many hearts on fire!

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, November 28 End Times and Eternal Life Part One: Convents and Churches I will allow convents and churches to be destroyed. I answered, "Jesus, but there are so many souls praising You in convents." The Lord answered, That praise wounds My Heart, because love has been banished from convents. Souls without love and without devotion, souls full of egoism and self-love, souls full of pride and arrogance, souls full of deceit and hypocrisy, lukewarm souls who have just enough warmth to keep them alive: My Heart cannot bear this. All the graces that I pour out upon them flow off them as off the face of a rock. I cannot stand them, because they are neither good or bad. I called convents into being to sanctify the world through them. It is from them that a powerful flame of love and sacrifice should burst forth (Diary, 1702). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, in our day we see convents, rectories, and churches closed and destroyed. Help us to be enkindled by our first love! (see Rev 2:4) NOVEMBER 28, 2020 "Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him." — St. Dominic Savio

Friday's Mercy Minuites...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, November 27 End Times and Eternal Life Day of Mercy Today I heard the words: In the Old Covenant I sent prophets wielding thunderbolts to My people. Today I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart. I use punishment when they themselves force Me to do so; My hand is reluctant to take hold of the sword of justice. Before the Day of Justice I am sending the Day of Mercy. I replied, "O my Jesus, speak to souls Yourself, because my words are insignificant" (Diary, 1588). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Jesus, for the "Day of Mercy" You announced to St. Faustina. As apostles of Divine Mercy, may we announce to the fearful people of the world Your mercy and Your desire to heal them and press them to Your Merciful Heart. NOVEMBER 27, 2020 "If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes." — St. Clement of Alexandria

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, November 26 End Times and Eternal Life True Knowledge of Self I saw Jesus, and from His Heart there issued those same two rays, which enveloped me, whole and entire. At the same moment, all my torments vanished. My daughter, the Lord said, know that of yourself you are just what you have gone through, and it is only by My grace that you are a participant of eternal life and all the gifts I lavish on you. And with these words of the Lord, there came to me a true knowledge of myself. Jesus is giving me a lesson in deep humility and, at the same time, one of total trust in Him. My heart is reduced to dust and ashes, and even if all people were to trample me under their feet, I would still consider that a favor (Diary, 1559). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the graces and mercy You have lavished on me. Without them, I am nothing, but with them and only with them, I am a participant of eternal life. May I live in this true knowledge of myself. NOVEMBER 26, 2020 "Would that I could exhaust myself in acts of thanksgiving and gratitude towards this Divine Heart, for the great favor He shows us, in deigning to accept our help to make Him known, loved and honored; He reserves infinite blessings for all those who devote themselves to this work." — St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, November 25 End Times and Eternal Life Be Always Ready Today I said to the Lord, "When will You take me to Yourself. I've been feeling so ill, and I've been waiting for Your coming with such longing!" Jesus answered me, Be always ready; I will not leave you in this exile for long. My holy will must be fulfilled in you. O Lord, if Your holy will has not yet been entirely fulfilled in me, here I am, ready for everything that You want, O Lord! O my Jesus, there is only one thing which surprises me; namely, that You make so many secrets known to me; but that one secret — the hour of my death — You do not want to tell me. And the Lord answered me, Be at peace; I will let you know, but not just now (Diary, 1539). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, prepare me for my own personal end times. May I fulfill Your will in my life and be at peace with Your perfect timing for my death and entrance into eternal life with You. NOVEMBER 25, 2020 "If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him. If you die with Him on the cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints. And your name, written in the book of life, will be glorious among men." — St. Clare of Assisi

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, November 24 End Times and Eternal Life The Door of Mercy Today, I heard in my soul these words: My daughter, it is time for you to take action; I am with you. Great persecutions and sufferings are in store for you, but be comforted by the thought that many souls will be saved and sanctified by this work (Diary, 966). Write: before I come as a just Judge, I first open wide the door of My mercy. He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice ... (Diary, 1146). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, may we be apostles of The Divine Mercy message and devotion with the help of St. Faustina. Help us to proclaim Your mercy, so many may pass through the door of Your mercy while it is open! NOVEMBER 24, 2020 "Crosses release us from this world and by doing so bind us to God." — Blessed Charles de Foucauld

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, November 23 End Times and Eternal Life A Sign for the End Times Write down these words, My daughter. Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them. O human souls, where are you going to hide on the day of God's anger: Take refuge now in the fount of God's mercy. O what a great multitude of souls I see! They worshiped The Divine Mercy and will be singing the hymn of praise for all eternity (Diary, 848). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, we pray with St. Faustina, Your great Apostle of Divine Mercy: Help us to take refuge now in the fount of Your Divine Mercy. Immerse us in the ocean of Your mercy, so even now we may "sing of the mercies of the Lord forever" (Ps 89:2). NOVEMBER 23, 2020 "Behold Jesus Christ crucified, Who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our Mediator and Advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself; His mercy is moved by the tears of sinners, and He never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with a truly contrite and humbled heart." — St. Charles Borromeo

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, November 22 End Times and Eternal Life The Lord's Final Coming When, on one occasion, instead of interior prayer, I took up a book of spiritual reading, I heard these words spoken distinctly and forcefully within my soul, You will prepare the world for My final coming. These words moved me deeply, and although I pretended not to hear them, I understood them very well and had no doubt about them. Once, being tired out from this battle of love with God, and making constant excuses on the grounds that I was unable to carry out this task, I wanted to leave the chapel, but some force held me back and I found myself powerless. Then I heard these words, You intend to leave the chapel, but you shall not get away from Me, for I am everywhere. You cannot do anything of yourself, but with Me you can do all things (Diary, 429). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, without You, we can do nothing, but with You and Your gracious mercy, we can do all things (see Phil 4:13). Help us as apostles of Your Divine Mercy to prepare for and pray for Your final coming. May our celebration and offering of Holy Mass hasten the day of Your coming. NOVEMBER 22, 2020 "Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary." — St. Bonaventure

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, November 21 End Times and Eternal Life King of Mercy Write this: before I come as the Just Judge, I am coming first as the King of Mercy. Before the day of justice arrives, there will be given to people a sign in the heavens of this sort: All light in the heavens will be extinguished, and there will be great darkness over the whole earth. Then the sign of the cross will be seen in the sky, and from the openings where the hands and the feet of the Savior were nailed will come forth great lights which will light up the earth for a period of time. This will take place shortly before the last day (Diary, 83). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, come now as the King of Mercy. We so need Your mercy, Lord. May the sign of Your cross draw all of mankind to Your merciful Love. May we desire Your mercy, ask for it, and receive it with thanksgiving. NOVEMBER 21, 2020 "I ask you to consider that our Lord Jesus Christ is your true head and that you are a member of his body. He belongs to you as the head belongs to the body. All that is his is yours: breath, heart, body, soul and all his faculties. All of these you must use as if they belonged to you, so that in serving him you may give him praise, love and glory." — St. John Eudes

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, November 20 Suffering for Souls When Sufferings Are Great My daughter, know that if I allow you to feel and have a more profound knowledge of My sufferings, that is a grace from Me. But when your mind is dimmed and your sufferings are great, it is then that you take an active part in My Passion, and I am conforming you more fully to Myself. It is your task to submit yourself to My will at such times, more than at others ... (Diary, 1697). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, when things get tough and I get fatigued and my mind is dimmed and the sufferings are great — help me at such times to submit to Your will even more! At just such times, may I take an active part in Your Passion. NOVEMBER 20, 2020 "Can there be a more fitting pursuit in youth or a more valuable possession in old age than a knowledge of Holy Scripture? In the midst of storms it will preserve you from the dangers of shipwreck 'and guide you to the shore of an enchanting paradise and the ever-lasting bliss of the angels." — St. Boniface

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, November 19 Suffering for Souls Mission of Mercy My daughter, give Me souls. Know that it is your mission to win souls for Me by prayer and sacrifice, and by encouraging them to trust in My mercy (Diary, 1690). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, help me to win souls for You by prayer and sacrifice. Help me to encourage souls to trust in Your mercy. Like St. Faustina, the great Apostle of Divine Mercy, may I make this my mission in life. NOVEMBER 19, 2020 "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely." — St. Catherine of Siena

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, November 18 Suffering for Souls Teaching on Feelings During Holy Mass, I saw Jesus stretched out on the Cross, and He said to me, My pupil, have great love for those who cause you suffering. Do good to those who hate you. I answered, "O my Master, You see very well that I feel no love for them, and that troubles me." Jesus answered, It is not always within your power to control your feelings. You will recognize that you have love if, after having experienced annoyance and contradiction, you do not lose your peace, but pray for those who have made you suffer and wish them well (Diary, 1628). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Jesus, for teaching me about my feelings when annoyed by people. Help me to love them and remain in peace. Whenever I think of them, remind me to pray for them. NOVEMBER 18, 2020 "O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me." — St. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, November 17 Suffering for Souls The School of Suffering The Lord said to me, I am taking you into My school for the whole of Lent. I want to teach you how to suffer. I answered, "With You, Lord, I am ready for everything." And I heard a voice, You are allowed to drink from the cup from which I drink. I give you that exclusive privilege today ... (Diary, 1626). My Prayer Response: Jesus, be my teacher on how to suffer, so I might teach others. I know that we all suffer, but so much of the suffering of the whole world is wasted! May I drink from the cup from which You drank, Lord. NOVEMBER 17, 2020 "He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands." — St. Benedict of Nursia

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, November 16 Suffering for Souls Suffering to Rescue Souls My daughter, your struggle will last until death. Your last breath will mark its end. You shall conquer by meekness (Diary, 1597). I have need of your sufferings to rescue souls (Diary, 1612). My Prayer Response: Jesus, help me not to waste my sufferings, little or great, because You need my sufferings to rescue souls. Keep me meek before You as I suffer and pray for souls. NOVEMBER 16, 2020 "A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul." — St. Therese of Lisieux

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, November 15 Suffering for Souls An Instrument for the Conversion of Souls Once, when I was passing by a group of people, I asked the Lord if they were all in the state of grace, because I did not feel His sufferings. Because you do not feel My sufferings, it does not follow that they must all be in the state of grace. At times, I allow you to be aware of the condition of certain souls, and I give you the grace of suffering solely because I use you as the instrument of their conversion (Diary, 1357). My Prayer Response: Lord, may I be sensitive to the conditions of certain souls, so I may exercise "mercy in spirit" for them. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, help me to be an instrument of their conversion. NOVEMBER 15, 2020 "When you sit down to eat, pray. When you eat bread, do so thanking Him for being so generous to you. If you drink wine, be mindful of Him who has given it to you for your pleasure and as a relief in sickness. When you dress, thank Him for His kindness in providing you with clothes. When you look at the sky and the beauty of the stars, throw yourself at God’s feet and adore Him who in His wisdom has arranged things in this way. Similarly, when the sun goes down and when it rises, when you are asleep or awake, give thanks to God, who created and arranged all things for your benefit, to have you know, love and praise their Creator." — St. Basil the Great

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, November 14 Suffering for Souls Mercy in Spirit Daughter, I need sacrifice lovingly accomplished, because that alone has meaning for Me. Enormous indeed are the debts of the world which are due to Me; pure souls can pay them by their sacrifice, exercising mercy in spirit (Diary, 1316). My Prayer Response: Jesus, teach me to lovingly make sacrifices for souls that I may exercise mercy in spirit. May I always remember that only what is accomplished in love has meaning for You, Lord. NOVEMBER 14, 2020 "You never go away from us, yet we have difficulty in returning to You. Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us. Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run." — St. Augustine

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, November 13 Suffering for Souls Contemplate My Wounds In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet, and side the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to me, All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are doing for their salvation. I answered, "Jesus, when I look at Your suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the salvation of souls. " And the Lord said to me, Know, My daughter, that your silent day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers many souls into heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds your strength, contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and judgment. Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things (Diary, 1184). My Prayer Response: Inspire me, Lord Jesus, to consider what I can do for the salvation of souls. Teach me to contemplate the wounds of Your Passion and rise above human scorn and judgment.

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, November 12 Suffering for Souls Refreshment for the Lord's Heart Lie down and take your rest. I have let you experience in three hours what I suffered during the whole night (Diary, 1054). My host, you are refreshment for My tormented Heart (Diary, 1056). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for the suffering You endured for me. May I be a refreshment for Your tormented Heart. And give me the strength to suffer out of love for You and others. NOVEMBER 12, 2020 "Since love completes all, makes all hard things soft, and the difficult easy, let us strive to make all our acts proceed from love." — St. Arnold Janssen

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, November 11 Suffering for Souls Lean on the Beloved March 25,'37. Holy Thursday. During Holy Mass, I saw the Lord, who said to me, Lean your head on My breast and rest. The Lord pressed me to His Heart and said, I shall give you a small portion of My Passion, but do not be afraid, be brave; do not seek relief, but accept everything with submission to My will (Diary, 1053). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, "I lean on You, my Beloved" (St. Bernard) for the rest and strength I need to accept everything with submission to Your will. Help me to be brave in sharing a small portion of Your Passion. NOVEMBER 11, 2020 "The Lord manifests Himself to those who stop for some time in peace and humility of heart. If you look in murky and turbulent waters, you cannot see the reflection of your face. If you want to see the face of Christ, stop and collect your thoughts in silence, and close the door of your soul to the noise of external things." — St. Anthony of Padua

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, November 10 Suffering for Souls A Thirst for Souls During Holy Mass, I saw the Lord Jesus nailed upon the cross amidst great torments. A soft moan issued from His Heart. After some time, He said, I thirst. I thirst for the salvation of souls. Help Me, My daughter, to save souls. Join your sufferings to My Passion and offer them to the heavenly Father for sinners (Diary, 1032). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, I hear Your cry of I Thirst. Help me to offer even the little sufferings I endure, as well as the big ones, for the salvation of souls. With Your help, I join them to Your Passion and offer them to the heavenly Father for sinners. NOVEMBER 10, 2020 "The true measure of loving God is to love Him without measure." — St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions Whatever you do for your neighbour, you do for Me The doctor did not allow me to go to the chapel to attend the Passion Service, although I had a great desire for it; however, I prayed in my own room. Suddenly I heard the bell in the next room, and I went in and rendered a service to a seriously sick person. When I returned to my room, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus, who said, “ My daughter, you gave Me greater pleasure by rendering Me that service than if you had prayed for a long time ”. I answered, “But it was not to You, Jesus, but to that patient that I rendered this service”. And the Lord answered me, “ Yes, My daughter, but whatever you do for your neighbour, you do for Me ”. (Diary 1029) NOVEMBER 9, 2020 "We find ourselves in this earth as in a tempestuous sea, in a desert, in a vale of tears. Now then, Mary is the Star of the Sea, the solace of our desert, the light that guides us towards heaven." — St. John Bosco

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, November 8 Suffering for Souls Part Three: A Whole-Burnt Offering But what the superiors will not manage to do, I Myself will accomplish directly in your soul. And in the most hidden depths of your soul, a perfect holocaust will be carried out, not just for a while, but know, My daughter, that this offering will last until your death (Diary, 923). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Jesus, for the promise that You will do what I cannot do. May I live the total surrender to You that You promise to souls who desire to be a perfect holocaust for the salvation of souls. NOVEMBER 8, 2020 "When we contemplate the sufferings of Jesus He grants us, according to the measure of our faith, the grace to practice the virtues He revealed during those sacred hours." — St. Angela Merici

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, November 7 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail Suffering for Souls Part Two: A Whole-Burnt Offering And for the accomplishment of this offering, you will unite yourself with Me on the Cross. I know what you can do. I Myself will give you many orders directly, but I will delay the possibility of their being carried out and make it depend on others (Diary, 923). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, You know how weak I am. You know I want to do Your will, but I get detoured and distracted. In the words of St. Bernard, help me "to lean on You, my Beloved." NOVEMBER 7, 2020 "In this life our lot is not to enjoy God, but to do his holy will." — St. Teresa of Avila

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, November 6 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail Suffering for Souls Part One: A Whole-Burnt Offering February 7, [1937]. Today, the Lord said to me, I demand of you a perfect and whole-burnt offering; an offering of the will. No other sacrifice can compare with this one. I Myself am directing your life and arranging things in such a way that you will be for Me a continual sacrifice and will always do My will (Diary, 923). My Prayer Response: Jesus, raise up many souls like St. Faustina to live a perfect and whole-burnt offering of their will to Your will. May they bring many souls to You! NOVEMBER 6, 2020 "Guard against anger. But if it cannot be averted, let it be kept within bounds. For indignation is a terrible incentive to sin. It disorders the mind to such an extent as to leave no room for reason." — St. Ambrose

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, November 5 Suffering for Souls Victim Souls for Priests My daughter, why are you weeping? After all, you yourself offered to undertake these sufferings. Know that what you have taken upon yourself for that soul is only a small portion. He [Father Sopocko] is suffering much more (Diary, 596). My daughter, suffering will be a sign to you that I am with you (Diary, 669). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, as St. Faustina took on the sufferings of Father Michael Sopocko, her spiritual director and confessor, please accept the sufferings of victim souls offered for priests. And remind me, Lord, to offer my own sufferings for priests. NOVEMBER 5, 2020 "We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God." — St. Vincent de Paul

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, November 4 Suffering for Souls Just a Few More Drops I have been waiting to share My suffering with you, for who can understand My suffering better than My spouse? (Diary, 348). My child, just a few more drops in your chalice; it won't be long now (Diary, 694). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, help me to understand Your sufferings with my mind and heart. Help me not to waste the sufferings that I do have — but to offer them to You — because they are precious to You for the salvation of souls. NOVEMBER 4, 2020 "Often, actually very often, God allows his greatest servants, those who are far advanced in grace, to make the most humiliating mistakes. This humbles them in their own eyes and in the eyes of their fellow men." — St. Louis de Montfort

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, November 3 Suffering for Souls In Union with Your Sufferings I want your last moments to be completely similar to Mine on the cross. There is but one price at which souls are bought, and that is suffering united to My suffering on the cross. Pure love understands these words; carnal love will never understand them (Diary, 324). Listen to this entry: See our catalog for the Audio Diary of St. Faustina My Prayer Response: Jesus, may Your love help me to offer my sufferings in union with Your sufferings on the cross for the salvation of souls. May my last moments be similar to Yours on the cross. All for the love of souls, Lord! NOVEMBER 3, 2020 "For a Son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a man on fire with love, who spreads its flames wherever he goes. He desires mightily and strives by all means possible to set the whole world on fire with God’s love. Nothing daunts him; he delights in privations, welcomes work, embraces sacrifices, smiles at slander, and rejoices in suffering. His only concern is how he can best follow Jesus Christ and imitate Him in working, suffering, and striving constantly and single-mindedly for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls." — St. Anthony Mary Claret

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, November 2 Suffering for Souls Thinking about Poor Sinners Pure love gives the soul strength at the very moment of dying. When I was dying on the cross, I was not thinking about Myself, but about poor sinners, and I prayed for them to My Father (Diary, 324). My Prayer Response: Jesus, may Your pure love give me strength to love and pray for sinners. Have mercy on us all. And thank You, Lord, that on the cross, You were not thinking of Yourself but of us poor sinners. NOVEMBER 2, 2020 "Persevere in labors that lead to salvation. Always be busy in spiritual actions. In this way, no matter how often the enemy of our souls approaches, no matter how many times he may try to come near us, he'll find our hearts closed and armed against him." — St. Cyprian of Carthage

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

<b>Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, November 1 Suffering for Souls Love More Ardently My will has not yet been fully accomplished in you; you will still remain on earth, but not for long. I am well pleased with your trust, but your love should be more ardent (Diary, 324). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, help me to trust in You more and to love You more ardently, so I may fulfill Your will. May Your will be fully accomplished in my life. NOVEMBER 1, 2020 "Never say, 'What great things the saints do,' but, 'What great things God does in His saints.'" — St. Philip Neri

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, October 31 Suffering for Souls O Blood and Water I will daily repeat this act of self-oblation by pronouncing the following prayer which You Yourself have taught me, Jesus: "O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You!" (Diary, 309). I am giving you a share in the redemption of mankind. You are solace in My dying hour (Diary, 310). My Prayer Response: Jesus, You taught St. Faustina to daily renew her oblation of herself for sinners and so share in Your redemption of mankind by a prayer of trust: O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You! (Diary, 309). Help me to trust in You even more! OCTOBER 31, 2020 "Christ Himself is our mouth through which we speak to the Father, our eye through which we see the Father, our right hand through which we offer to the Father. Without His intercession neither we nor all the saints have anything with God." — St. Ambrose

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, October 30 Suffering for Souls Undeserved Suffering Do not be surprised that you are sometimes unjustly accused. I Myself first drank this cup of undeserved suffering for love of you (Diary, 289). 1934, Holy Thursday. Jesus said to me, I desire that you make an offering of yourself for sinners and especially for those souls who have lost hope in God's mercy (Diary, 308). My Prayer Response: Jesus, by the merits of Your undeserved sufferings for us, help those who are unjustly accused and suffering without hope. Give them courage, Lord, to endure their sufferings out of love for You and souls. OCTOBER 30, 2020 "Don't spend your energies on things that generate worry, anxiety and anguish. Only one thing is necessary: Lift up your spirit, and love God." — St. Padre Pio

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, October 29 FREE Sign Up Get Daily Reflections Sent to Your eMail Suffering for Souls Lift Us up I see your love, so pure and true that I give you first place among the virgins. You are the honor and glory of My Passion. I see every abasement of your soul, and nothing escapes my attention. I lift up the humble even to My very throne, because I want it so (Diary, 282). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St. Faustina, help us to humble ourselves in our sufferings and lift us up to Your throne. Let us see Your glory, Lord, even in the midst of our sufferings. OCTOBER 29, 2020 "Let all creation help you to praise God. Give yourself the rest you need. When you are walking alone, listen to the sermon preached to you by the flowers, the trees, the shrubs, the sky, the sun and the whole world. Notice how they preach to you a sermon full of love, of praise of God, and how they invite you to proclaim the greatness of the one who has given them being." — St. Paul of the Cross

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, October 28 Suffering for Souls Great Pain for Sin My Heart was moved by great mercy towards you, My dearest child, when I saw you torn to shreds because of the great pain you suffered in repenting for your sins (Diary, 282). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, You promised to St. Faustina that the sinner has the greatest right to Your mercy (see Diary, 723, 1146, 1275). Have mercy, Lord, on all who strive to repent and reform. OCTOBER 28, 2020 "The Holy Bible is like a mirror before our mind's eye. In it we see our inner face. From the Scriptures we can learn our spiritual deformities and beauties. And there too we discover the progress we are making and how far we are from perfection." — Pope St. Gregory the Great

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions My goodness In the evening during benediction, such thoughts as these began to distress me: Is not perhaps all this that I am saying about God’s great mercy just a lie or an illusion? And I wanted to think about this for a while, when I heard a strong and clear inner voice saying, " Everything that you say about My goodness is true; language has no adequate expression to extol My goodness ". These words were so filled with power and so clear that I would give my life in declaring they came from God. I can tell this by the profound peace that accompanied them at that time and that still remains with me. This peace gives me such great strength and power that all difficulties, adversities, sufferings, and death itself are as nothing. This light gave me a glimpse of the truth that all my efforts to bring souls to know the mercy of the Lord are very pleasing to God. And from this springs such great joy in my soul that I do not know whether it could be any greater in heaven, Oh, if souls would only be willing to listen, at least a little, to the voice of conscience and the voice — that is, the inspirations — of the Holy Spirit! I say “at least a little,” because once we open ourselves to the influence of the Holy Spirit, He himself will fulfil what is lacking in us. (Diary 359) OCTOBER 27, 2020 "When you have free moments, go faithfully to prayer. The good God is waiting for you there." — St. Julie Billiart

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, October 26 Suffering for Souls Pure and Unadulterated My child, you please Me most by suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter, do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering to be pure and unadulterated (Diary, 279). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, may souls who are suffering offer their sufferings in union with Yours — like the pure and unadulterated fragrance of incense — all for souls. Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, October 26 Suffering for Souls Pure and Unadulterated My child, you please Me most by suffering. In your physical as well as your mental sufferings, My daughter, do not seek sympathy from creatures. I want the fragrance of your suffering to be pure and unadulterated (Diary, 279). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, may souls who are suffering offer their sufferings in union with Yours — like the pure and unadulterated fragrance of incense — all for souls.

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy - Petitions My communion with the Lord is now purely spiritual My communion with the Lord is now purely spiritual. My soul is touched by God and wholly absorbs itself in Him, even to the complete forgetfulness of self. Permeated by God to its very depths, it drowns in His beauty; it completely dissolves in Him — I am at a loss to describe this, because in writing I am making use of the senses; but there, in that union, the senses are not active; there is a merging of God and the soul; and the life of God to which the soul is admitted is so great that the human tongue cannot express it. (Diary 767) OCTOBER 25, 2020 "Many live like angels in the midst of the world. Why not you?" — St. Josemaria Escriva

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions Write down everything “ Write down everything that occurs to you regarding My goodness ”. I answered, ‘What do You mean, Lord, what if I write too much?’ And the Lord replied, “ My daughter, even if you were to speak at one and the same time in all human and angelic tongues, even then you would not have said very much, but on the contrary, you would have sung in only a small measure the praises of My goodness — of My unfathomable mercy ”. (Diary 1605) OCTOBER 24, 2020 "The soul hungers for God, and nothing but God can satiate it. Therefore He came to dwell on earth and assumed a Body in order that this Body might become the Food of our souls." — St. John Vianney

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions Nothing disturbs my union with the Lord Nothing disturbs my union with the Lord, neither conversation with others nor any duties; even if I am to go about settling very important matters, this does not disturb me. My spirit is with God, and my interior being is filled with God, so I do not look for Him outside myself. He, the Lord, penetrates my soul just as a ray from the sun penetrates clear glass. When I was enclosed in my mother’s womb, I was not so closely united with her as I am with my God. There, it was an unawareness; but here, it is the fullness of reality and the consciousness of union. My visions are purely interior, but the more I understand them, the less I am able to express them in words. (Diary 883) OCTOBER 23, 2020 "Is it not a wonderful thing, that he that is the Lord and author of all liberty, would thus be bound with ropes and nailed hand and foot unto the Cross?" — St. John Fisher

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

DI Banner JandF Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions We ought not force the Lord God to give us what we want One day, a certain sister came to me and asked me for prayers, telling me that she could no longer stand things as they were. “And so, please pray, Sister.” I answered that I would, and I began a novena to Divine Mercy. I learned that God would give her the grace, but that she would once again be dissatisfied when she received it. However, I kept on praying as she had asked me to do. The next day, the same sister came looking for me, and when we again began to talk about the same thing, I told her, “You know, Sister, when we pray, we ought not force the Lord God to give us what we want, but we should rather submit to His holy will.” But she thought that what she was asking for was indispensable. Towards the end of the novena, the sister came again and said, “O Sister, the Lord Jesus has given me the grace, but now I am of a different mind. Please pray so that things will somehow be different again.” I answered, “Yes, I will pray, but that God’s will be done in you, Sister, and not what you want.” (Diary 1525) OCTOBER 22, 2020 "Put up willingly with the faults of others if you wish others to put up with yours." — St. John Bosco

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions Three Divine Persons After I had gone into the refectory, during the reading, my whole being found itself plunged in God. Interiorly, I saw God looking at us with great pleasure. I remained alone with the Heavenly Father. At that moment, I had a deeper knowledge of the Three Divine Persons, whom we shall contemplate for all eternity and, after millions of years, shall discover that we have just barely begun our contemplation. Oh, how great is the mercy of God, who allows man to participate in such a high degree in His divine happiness! At the same time, what great pain pierces my heart [at the thought] that so many souls have spurned this happiness. (Diary 1439) OCTOBER 21, 2020 "It is part of the discipline of God to make His loved ones perfect through trial and suffering. Only by carrying the Cross can one reach the Resurrection." — Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Tuesday, October 20 God's Will Vs. Our Self-Will Strengthened to Do God's Will I am surprised that you still have not completely renounced your self-will, but I rejoice exceedingly that this change will be accomplished during the retreat (Diary, 369). [Then] I heard these words: I am with you. During this retreat, I will strengthen you in peace and in courage so that your strength will not fail in carrying out My designs. Therefore, you will cancel out your will absolutely in this retreat and, instead, My complete will shall be accomplished in you. Know that it will cost you much, so write these words on a clean sheet of paper: "From today on, my own will does not exist," and then cross out the page. And on the other side write these words: "From today on, I do the will of God everywhere, always, and in everything" (Diary, 372). Listen to this entry: My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, may Your love strengthen me to do Your will everywhere, always, and in everything. May I live the "Our Father" petition: "Thy will be done!" OCTOBER 20, 2020 "O my God, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve to be served, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fear of being wounded, to work without seeking rest, and to spend myself without expecting any reward, but the knowledge that I am doing your holy will. Amen." — St. Ignatius of Loyola

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions Grains of Sand in the World (Jesus speaks to Saint Maria Faustina) Jesus is commanding me to make a novena before the Feast of Mercy, and today I am to begin it for the conversion of the whole world and for the recognition of Divine Mercy... “ so that every soul will praise My goodness. I desire trust from My creatures. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy ”. (Diary 1059) OCTOBER 19, 2020 "The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness." — St. Gianna Molla

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, October 18 Writing Jesus Arranged Things As I was writing the above words, I saw the Lord Jesus leaning over me, and He asked, My daughter, what are you writing? I answered, "I am writing about You, Jesus, ... about Your inconceivable love and mercy for people." And Jesus said, Secretary of My most profound mystery, know that yours is an exclusive intimacy with Me. Your task is to write down everything that I make known to you about My mercy, for the benefit of those who by reading these things will be comforted in their souls and will have the courage to approach Me. I therefore want you to devote all your free moments to writing. "But, O Lord, shall I always have a moment, at least a brief one, in which to write?" And Jesus answered, It is not for you to think about that. Only do as much as you can, and I will always arrange things so that you will easily be able to do what I ask of you ... (Diary, 1693). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for arranging that the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska is available to us as a comfort and encouragement to approach You with great trust.

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, October 17 Writing St. Faustina's Faithfulness Holy Saturday [April 16, 1938]. During adoration, the Lord said to me, Be at peace, My daughter. This work of mercy is Mine; there is nothing of you in it. It pleases Me that you are carrying out faithfully what I have commanded you to do, not adding or taking away a single word. And He gave me an interior light by which I learned that not a single word was mine; despite difficulties and adversities, I have always, always, fulfilled His will, as He has made it known to me (Diary, 1667). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for St. Faustina's faithfulness to writing about Your mercy, so that each word written is available to us as Your word. May we take advantage of Your gift by regularly reading her Diary to aid us in our spiritual life. OCTOBER 17, 2020 "Our perfection does not consist of doing extraordinary things, but to do the ordinary well." — St. Gabriel Possenti

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Friday, October 16 Secretary of My Mercy Write down everything that occurs to you regarding My goodness. I answered, "What do You mean, Lord, what if I write too much?" And the Lord replied, My daughter, even if you were to speak at one and the same time in all human and angelic tongues, even then you would not have said very much, but on the contrary, you would have sung in only a small measure the praises of My goodness — of My unfathomable mercy. O my Jesus, You Yourself must put words into my mouth, that I may praise You worthily. My daughter, be at peace; do as I tell you. Your thoughts are united to My thoughts, so write whatever comes to your mind. You are the secretary of My mercy. I have chosen you for that office in this life and the next life (Diary, 1605). My Prayer Response: Praise You, Lord Jesus, that You insisted to St. Faustina that she could never write enough about Your unfathomable mercy! Praise You, Jesus, for inspiring her.

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, October 15 Writing Bless This Pen As I took the pen in hand, Iaddressed a short prayer to the Holy Spirit and said, "Jesus, bless this pen sothat everything You order me to write may be for the glory of God." Then I hearda voice: Yes, I bless [it], because this writing bears the seal of obedience toyour superior and confessor, and by that very fact I am already given glory, andmany souls will be drawing profit from it. My daughter, I demand that you devoteall your free moments to writing about My goodness and mercy. It is your officeand your assignment throughout your life to continue to make known to souls thegreat mercy I have for them and to exhort them to trust in My bottomless mercy (Diary, 1567). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for blessing the pen of St. Faustina with which she wrote under holy obedience. Her faithfulness to You continues to inspire people around the world. Her Diary has now been translated into dozens of languages and reaches out to millions in need of Your mercy. OCTOBER 15, 2020 "Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of God's will." — St. Francis de Sales

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, October 14 Writing Only a Single Drop My Secretary, write that I am more generous toward sinners than toward the just. It was for their sake that I came down from heaven; it was for their sake that My Blood was spilled. Let them not fear to approach Me; they are most in need of My mercy (Diary, 1275). During Holy Hour in the evening, I heard the words, You see My mercy for sinners, which at this moment is revealing itself in all its power. See how little you have written about it; it is only a single drop. Do what is in your power, so that sinners may come to know My goodness (Diary, 1665). My Prayer Response: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your exceptional love for sinners. May we sinners take full advantage of the mercy You described to St. Faustina. May we come to know Your goodness.

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy A pure and humble heart After Holy Communion, I saw the Lord Jesus, who said these words to me , “ Today, penetrate into the spirit of My poverty and arrange everything in such a way that the most destitute will have no reason to envy you. I find pleasure, not in large buildings and magnificent structures, but in a pure and humble heart ”. (Diary 532) The Importance of the Image of Divine Mercy The Image of Divine Mercy is key to understanding all forms of devotion to God's Mercy, and at the same time, is their synthesis as well. We must understand the Importance of the Image in our everyday life, as well as its importance in bringing us to Eternal Life. This Image, requested to be painted by Our Lord, is, simply put, the expression of our whole faith in a painting. OCTOBER 13, 2020 "Cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts." — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

>Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Monday, October 12 Writing Underlining Jesus' Words When I set to work at underlining the Lord's words and thus was going through everything in sequence, I reached the page where I had marked down Father Andrasz's advice and directions. I did not know what to do, to underline or not to underline, and then I heard these words in my soul: Underline, because these words are Mine; I have borrowed the lips of the friend of My Heart in order to speak to you and reassure you. You are to observe these directions until your death. It would not please Me at all if you were to disobey these directions. Know that it is I who have placed him between Myself and your soul. I am doing this to set you at peace and so that you may not err (Diary, 967). My Prayer Response: Thank You,Lord Jesus, that You inspired Fr. Andrasz to have Sr. Faustina underline Your words in her Diary. Underlining them, now printing them in boldface, made iteasier to gather Your words in this daily devotional — all for our spiritual benefit. OCTOBER 12, 2020 "We must faithfully keep what we have promised. If through human weakness we fail, we must always without delay arise again by means of holy penance, and give our attention to leading a good life and to dying a holy death. May the Father of all mercy, the Son by his holy passion, and the Holy Spirit, source of peace, sweetness and love, fill us with their consolation." — St. Colette

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Sunday, October 11 You have not written everything in the notebook about My goodness towards humankind; I desire that you omit nothing; I desire that your heart be firmly grounded in total peace (Diary, 459). January 23, [1937]. I did not feel like writing today. Then I heard a voice in my soul: My daughter, you do not live for yourself but for souls; write for their benefit. You know that My will as to your writing has been confirmed many times by your confessors. You know what is pleasing to Me, and if you have any doubts about what I am saying, you also know whom you are to ask. I grant him light to pronounce judgment on my case. My eye watches over him. My daughter, you are to be like a child towards him, full of simplicity and candor. Put his judgment above all My demands. He will guide you according to My will (Diary, 895). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, thank You for making known to St. Faustina the importance of writing her Diary. Thank You for stressing to her that she was to live and write for the benefit of souls like ourselves. OCTOBER 11, 2020 "Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do." — St. Thomas Aquinas

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Saturday, October 10 Union of Love United with You Forever This evening, the Lord asked me, Do you not have any desires in your heart? I answered, "I have one great desire, and it is to be united with You forever." And the Lord answered me, That will happen soon. My dearest child, your every stirring is reflected in My Heart. My gaze rests kindly upon you before any other creature (Diary, 1700). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, the desire of my heart is to have the one great desire of St. Faustina: "to be united with You forever." May I grow in that desire by Your loving mercy and grace. OCTOBER 10, 2020 "You can't go to heaven hating somebody. Forgive now. Be compassionate now. Be patient now. Be grateful now. Love Jesus and Mary now. Accept God's will now." — Mother Angelica

Fridays Mercy Minutes...

DI Banner JandF Divine Mercy Articles - Divine Mercy Shop - Petitions Chosen Souls (Jesus speaks to Saint Maria Faustina) On a certain occasion, the Lord said to me , “I am more deeply wounded by the small imperfections of chosen souls than by the sins of those living in the world”. It made me very sad that chosen souls make Jesus suffer, and Jesus told me , “These little imperfections are not all. I will reveal to you a secret of My Heart: what I suffer from chosen souls. Ingratitude in return for so many graces is My Heart’s constant food, on the part of a chosen soul. Their love is lukewarm, and My Heart cannot bear it; these souls force Me to reject them. Others distrust My goodness and have no desire to experience that sweet intimacy in their own hearts, but go in search of Me, off in the distance, and do not find Me. This distrust of My goodness hurts Me very much. If My death has not convinced you of My love, what will? Often a soul wounds Me mortally, and then no one can comfort Me. They use My graces to offend Me. There are souls who despise My graces as well as all the proofs of My love. They do not wish to hear My call, but proceed into the abyss of hell. The loss of these souls plunges Me into deadly sorrow. God though I am, I cannot help such a soul because it scorns Me; having a free will, it can spurn Me or love Me. You, who are the dispenser of My mercy, tell all the world about My goodness, and thus you will comfort My Heart”. (Diary 580) OCTOBER 9, 2020 "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves." — Pope St. John Paul II

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Thursday, October 8 Union of Love With Freshness of Heart The Lord said to me, I am delighted with your love. Your sincere love is as pleasing to My Heart as the fragrance of a rosebud at morningtide, before the sun has taken the dew from it. The freshness of your heart captivates Me; that is why I unite Myself with you more closely than with any other creature ... (Diary, 1546). Then I heard the words: As you are united with Me in life, so will you be united at the moment of death. After these words, such great trust in God's great mercy was awakened in my soul that, even if I had had the sins of the whole world, as well as the sins of all the condemned souls weighing on my conscience, I would not have doubted God's goodness but, without hesitation, would have thrown myself into the abyss of the divine mercy, which is always open to us ... (Diary, 1552). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, help me to love You with freshness of heart that will delight You. Help me to abandon myself totally to Your holy will, which is mercy itself. Let me never doubt Your graces. OCTOBER 8, 2020 "God writes his name on the soul of every man." — Venerable Fulton Sheeneat mercy.

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

Divine Mercy Daily Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Wednesday, October 7 Union of Love As Your Own Today toward evening, the Lord said to me, Entrust yourself completely to Me at the hour of death, and I will present you to My Father as My bride. And now I recommend that you unite, in a special way, even your smallest deeds to My merits, and then My Father will look upon them with love as if they were My own (Diary, 1543). My Prayer Response: Lord Jesus, I entrust myself to You at the hour of my death. May I be completely united to You in love at that hour. Present me to the Father with love as Your own. OCTOBER 7, 2020 "Let us trust in him who has placed this burden upon us. What we ourselves cannot bear let us bear with the help of Christ. For he is all-powerful, and he tells us: 'My yoke is easy, and my burden light.'" — St. Boniface

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Tuesday, October 6

Union of Love
By Your Will, Lord

Today, I received some oranges. When the sister had left, I thought to myself, "Should I eat the oranges instead of doing penance and mortifying myself during Holy Lent? After all, I am feeling a bit better." Then I heard a voice in my soul: My daughter, you please Me more by eating the oranges out of obedience and love of Me than by fasting and mortifying yourself of your own will. A soul that loves Me very much must, ought to live by My will. I know your heart, and I know that it will not be satisfied by anything but My love alone (Diary, 1023).

My Prayer Response:
Lord Jesus, help me to love You even more and live by Your will. Teach me to unite even my smallest deeds with You and so please our heavenly Father.

OCTOBER 6, 2020

"In everything, whether it is a thing sensed or a thing known, God Himself is hidden within."
— St. Bonaventure

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Monday, October 5

Union of Love
Fill Me, Lord

Then I heard the following words spoken thus: I want you to be My spouse. Fear pierced my soul, but I calmly continued to reflect on what sort of an espousal this could be. However, each time fear would invade my soul, a power from on high would give it peace (Diary, 912).

The Lord said to me, I want to give Myself to souls and to fill them with My love, but few there are who want to accept all the graces My love has intended for them. My grace is not lost; if the soul for whom it was intended does not accept it, another soul takes it (Diary, 1017).

My Prayer Response:
Lord Jesus, You want to give Yourself to souls and fill them with Your love and mercy. But so many souls refuse Your love. Change my heart, Lord, to desire You alone. And fill me with Your love and mercy.

OCTOBER 5, 2020

"Be one of the small number who find the way to life, and enter by the narrow gate into Heaven. Take care not to follow the majority and the common herd, so many of whom are lost. Do not be deceived; there are only two roads: one that leads to life and is narrow; the other that leads to death and is wide. There is no middle way." — St. Louis de Montfort