I think it is remarkable that God continues to reveal new ways for us to understand and relate to his love and mercy. Periodically, throughout the two thousand years since Jesus’ Ascension, He has inspired holy men and women to further clarify his Gospel message. He knows our hearts and minds, because He created them. He appreciates that some devotions will be attractive to some of his children and ineffective for others. With that in mind, He keeps feeding us spiritual insight striving to satisfy all.

Most of us know of the message of Divine Mercy and the Chaplet that Jesus taught St. Faustina less than a hundred years ago. I find it interesting to think that she was a contemporary of my grandparents. A new devotion that began in the mid-1900’s should really attract our attention. Surely Jesus is saying that this is important for our day and time.

I became devoted to the Divine Mercy Chaplet back when my husband was very sick and dying. Jesus promised Sr. Faustina extraordinary graces to those who would recite that prayer. These words from Jesus are especially comforting:

“Encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given you. … Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. … When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between my father and the dying person, not as the just judge but as the Merciful Savior. … Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a Sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from my infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy. … Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with my will.”

A few years back I heard Fr. Chris Alar teach that we can still pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet to call upon Jesus’ promises for people after they have died. With God there is no time and space, so we can pray now and ask Jesus to apply our prayers to our loved ones while they were still here. Jesus is so passionate about pouring out his mercy that He even encourages us to take advantage of loopholes.

Escritura: Read Hebrews 4:16. What stands out?

Llamamiento a la acción: Take a red Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet” flyer from the entranceways of the church and pray it for your loved ones living, dying, and dead.