I Trust in You

Today the Universal Church commemorates Divine Mercy Sunday…..This is a relatively new devotion, which came out of the papacy of Pope John Paul II, however, this devotion is of infinite importance….Jesus Christ wishes for the salvation of every soul…..We however in order to enter into eternal life must cooperate with God’s grace…Divine Mercy Sunday is a day to mediate upon, as well as take advantage of God’s mercy…….”Do I find pleasure in the death of the wicked—oracle of the Lord GOD? Do I not rejoice when they turn from their evil way and live?”….Before Jesus Christ returns in his glory, he will give the world every opportunity to take advantage of his infinite mercy before the world faces his judgment….I believe this devotion, which was given to the Universal Church and the world following the bloodiest century (the 19th century) mankind ever experienced is a “signpost” - Divine Mercy Sunday is in a sense a beginning of something new - Its a “door” into what I believe is a time of preparation for mankind - Jesus Christ will return!!!! - Take advantage of His mercy!

“You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!”

How we see the world and our individual life experiences, both the good and the bad, determines most times the road forward most of us choose - That is how it “works” for most people……If we view our life as a means to an end…A path to the eternal - Our choices will be different then those who simply ground their existence upon the here and now….No matter who we are, no matter how gifted, we all suffer - And its how we view the moments of suffering that in many ways matter the most….The unbelieving world rejects suffering - Has no answer for it - A Catholic uses suffering when it comes as a means of sanctification - A Catholic does not turn from God when he suffers, he embraces God, knowing God allowed suffering to enter the world as a “means to an end” - To work as a “tool” for our sanctification……Today in the second reading at Holy Mass, St Peter addresses this subject with the first believers...…..”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls”….Divine Mercy Sunday is a reminder for us - That no matter what we may be enduring, God is merciful - That no matter what trial the world is engulfed in - There is a purpose! - God’s hand is on it and will use even the worst of events for his greater glory - This mindset many times only comes to us “in time” and through grace……………….When I was twenty-two years old, at arguably the lowest point of my life, I opened my heart to the reality of God and my Catholic faith….During that time of great trial in my life, I made a life long decision - The best decision of my lifetime to date! - To embrace my Catholic faith fully - For over three decades now I have not turned back and I can say that the suffering I endured that “got me to that point” was worth it - If it was not for the suffering I endured, I would not have become the person I am today - This was a great mercy but a painful lesson to learn…..The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a story of great mercy - A young man squandered everything that was given to him only to find out that his choices and “great ideas” all led to dead-ends…..And when the Prodigal Son came to his senses, his Father was waiting for him, to welcome him back home…..This is what Divine Mercy Sunday is all about - God waits for us! - He gives us a “second chance” - Why? - Because God’s mercy is endless!…..If only we take his hand……Sadly, before that happens, due to our fallen nature and human pride, we have to come to the “end of ourself”, like the Prodigal son - The Prodigal son’s story is a common story we all share….We have to see for ourself that all our “good ideas” lead to “dead ends” as long as we keep God out of our choices….But through it all - God is patient and God waits for us - Like all good Fathers wait for their sons…..Love can not be forced upon anyone, and nor can mercy for that matter….Love is a choice and mercy must be requested - Its an act of the will - Our “knee” must bend to it and embrace it fully….Today the Universal Church offers both - Love and Mercy

“You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty yourself out upon us………….O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in you!”……JMJ