Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Wednesday, November 30   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 

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).

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Tuesday, 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!

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Monday, 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).

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Sunday, 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.

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Saturday, 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.

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Friday, 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.

Thursday's Mercy Minutes....

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Thursday, 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!

Happy Thanksgiving Day, to everyone!

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Wednesday, 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).

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Tuesday, 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, 

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.

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Monday, 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.

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Sunday, 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.

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Saturday, November 19  Suffering for SoulsMission 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.

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Friday, 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.

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Thursday, 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.

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Wednesday, 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.

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Monday, 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.

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Sunday, Nov. 13  Suffering for SoulsContemplate 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.

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Saturday, 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.

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Friday, 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.

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Thursday, 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.

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Wednesday, November 9  Suffering for Souls Part Four:                        A Whole-Burnt Offering   But there is time, so that I the Lord will fulfill all your wishes. I delight in you as in a living host; let nothing terrify you; I am with you (Diary, 923).

My daughter, too great are your demands. "Jesus, You know that for You it is easier to grant much rather than a little." That is so, it is less difficult for Me to grant a soul much rather than a little, but every conversion of a sinful soul demands sacrifice. ... My dear daughter, I comply with your request (Diary, 961).

My Prayer Response:  Lord Jesus, may I learn to pray like St. Faustina who made demands of You that are too great (Diary, 961). St. Faustina asked that You grant the grace of conversion to as many souls as the number of stitches that she made on a particular day with the crochet hook. She said that it is all she could do under holy obedience in her sickness: simple stitching. And the Lord complied with her request!

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Tuesday, 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 

My Prayer   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.

Monday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Monday, November 7   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."

Sunday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Sunday, November 6  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!

Saturday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Saturday, 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.

Friday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Friday, 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.

Thursday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Thursday, 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).

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!

Wednesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Wednesday, 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.

Tuesday's Mercy Minutes...

 

Divine Mercy Daily

Reflections from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Tuesday, 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.