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!