Divine Mercy Sunday

I am posting this a little early because I am not certain I will be online tomorrow.  Our family tries to keep Sunday a day for the family. 

I think the addition of Mercy Sunday to the Church calendar was one of the best things Blessed John Paul II did for us.  What is there to celebrate more than God's mercy on us unworthy humans?  He showed mercy on His people over and over in the Old Testament.  Then, He sent His only begotten Son to die for us.  Why?  He loves us so much, He just can't let us be cursed by our own stupidity for eternity.  He loves us exponentially more than I love my children.  His only Son,  Jesus loved us so much that in obedience to the Father's will, He died for us.  His mercy was demonstrated even at the crucifixion when He said, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."  Remember His mercy on us; celebrate it!



Divine Mercy
in Greek icon style

 [Quote] Concerning the Feast of Mercy Jesus said:

Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. (Diary 300)

I want the image solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it. (Diary 341)

This Feast emerged from the very depths of My mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of My tender mercies. (Diary 420)



Divine Mercy Image in English

 On one occasion, I [St. Faustina] heard these words:  My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will I contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary 699)

Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it. (Diary 742)

I want to grant complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My mercy. (Diary 1109) [UNQUOTE]

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/feast.htm#ixzz1K0xHN4qr
 
Read here on the Divine Mercy Sunday Indulgence.

Have a wonderful and blessed Mercy Sunday!

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Nine (Easter Saturday)

"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, 
and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

[We pray:]  Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source:  http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

Thank you all who prayed with me all these nine days.  May you have a blessed Mercy Sunday tomorrow.

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Eight (Easter Friday)

"Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory,

and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

[We pray]  Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source:  http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

Today's Gospel:

Jesus revealed Himself again to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.  He revealed Himself in this way.  Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of His disciples.  Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”  They said to him, “We also will come with you.”   So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?”  They answered Him, “No.”  So He said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.”  So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.

So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”  When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea.  The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish.  When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.  Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”  So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.  Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.”  And none of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who are You?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,
and in like manner the fish.  This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to His disciples after being raised from the dead. 
John 21:1-14

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Seven (Easter Thursday)

"Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy,
and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

[We pray] Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:


Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.


2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source:  http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

Today's Gospel



Jesus appears to the disciples, mosaic Ravenna

 The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, He stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost.  Then He said to them, “Why are you troubled?  And why do questions arise in your hearts?  Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. 
Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”  And as He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.  While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, He asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”  They gave Him a piece of baked fish; He took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.”  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.  And He said to them,  “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.”

Luke 24:35-48

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Six (Easter Wednesday)

"Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children,
and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence."

[We pray] Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.


2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

Today's Gospel reading:


The Road to Emmaus
Altobello Melone - 16th cent.



That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.  And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.  He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”



They stopped, looking downcast.  One of them, named Cleopas, said to Him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”  And He replied to them, “What sort of things?”  They said to Him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed Him over to a sentence of death and crucified Him.  But we were hoping that He would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.  Some women from our group, however, have astounded us:  they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that He was alive.  Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but Him they did not see.”



And He said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are!  How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?”  Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the Scriptures.





"He was made known to them
in the breaking of the bread."



As they approached the village to which they were going, He gave the impression that He was going on farther.  But they urged Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”



So He went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while He was with them at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.  With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight.  Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”  Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Luke 24:13-35

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Five (Easter Tuesday)

"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church,
and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

[We pray] Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You.  Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church.  Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.


2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

*****************

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping.
And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
and saw two angels in white sitting there,
one at the head and one at the feet
where the Body of Jesus had been.
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken my Lord,
and I don’t know where they laid him.”
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there,
but did not know it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?
Whom are you looking for?”
She thought it was the gardener and said to him,
“Sir, if you carried him away,
tell me where you laid him,
and I will take him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,”
which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me,
for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
But go to my brothers and tell them,
‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’”
Mary went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”
and then reported what he had told her.
John 20:11-18

We interrupt this Novena for a very Important Message

Ever heard of a BUYcott?  Me either, until now.  When Chick-fil-A decided to contribute the meal for a marriage seminar (marriage meaning a Sacrament/covenant between a man and a woman) in Pennsylvania, a gay rights group decided to boycott the food chain.  The group took issue with not only Chick-fil-A's support of this marriage seminar, calling it and them anti-gay, but also with their Christian principles. 

Well, now the American Family Association (AFA) and a bunch of other Christian groups and individuals are doing just the opposite.  I would like to ask anyone reading this to try to make it a point to support Chick-fil-A this week by going to their restaurants and eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner there at least once this week.  That's a buycott.  Let's support those who take a stand for Christian principles and morality.  God Bless you all.

For more read here on the buycott by the AFA.

Now back to our regularly scheduled novena.....(below)

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Four (Easter Monday)

"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me,



I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

[We pray] Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.


2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm



Jesus meets Mary Magdalene

 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce the news to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city
and told the chief priests all that had happened.
The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel;
then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,
telling them, “You are to say,
‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.’
And if this gets to the ears of the governor,
we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”
The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.
And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.
Mt 28:8-15

Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Three (Easter Sunday)

"Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

[We pray] Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

Pope Benedict XVI's Easter Vigil message can be read here.
The pope's Easter Vigil message with commentary by Fr. Z can be read here. 



Allelujah!  Christ is Risen Today!  Allelujah!



Divine Mercy Novena -- Day Two (Holy Saturday)

"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,


and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.


2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

Divine Mercy Novena - Day One (Good Friday)

The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday.  The chaplet can be said using a regular rosary.  Each day, we pray for a different intention; then pray the chaplet.  Pray along (with the italicized words):

First Day

"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.


Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Source: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/novena.htm

"Proclaim to the whole world My unfathomable Mercy . . . proclaim that Mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My Hand are crowned with Mercy."

"Souls who spread the honor of My Mercy, I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a judge for them, but the Merciful Savior . . . Do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My Mercy. I will make up for what you lack. Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My Merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace."

Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)

Nos autem gloriari oportet in cruce Domini nostri Iesu Christi, in quo est salus, vita et resurrectio nostra per quem salvati et liberati sumus.

We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through Him we are saved and made free. (cf. Galations 6:14)

-- Entrance Antiphon for Holy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) of Holy Week.  Because we've thrown Latin out the window, everyone forgets the traditional name for today.  At the Last Supper, which we commemorate today, Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another."  Mandatum is the Latin word for commandment.  Maundy Thursday is the day Jesus gave us the new commandment at the Last Supper.  

Traditionally today holy oils would be consecrated (our archbishop did so Tuesday evening) for the year's baptisms, confirmations, holy orders, and anointing of the sick.  It is also traditional to hold the Mass of the Lord's Supper including a reenactment of the washing of the feet of the disciples.

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that His hour had come

to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved His own in the world and He loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand Him over.
So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into His power
and that He had come from God and was returning to God,
He rose from supper and took off His outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around His waist.
Then He poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around His waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to Him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with Me.”
Simon Peter said to Him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.”
For He knew who would betray Him;
for this reason, He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

So when He had washed their feet
and put His garments back on and reclined at table again,
He said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/john/john13.htm#v1

This commemoration is important.  We remember Him in the Last Supper and how He gave us this meal we now call the Eucharist from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving.  We should be rejoicing, giving thanks to Christ for the gift of Himself.  He is the center of our worship and we need to keep Him in the center of our lives. 

Blessed Maundy Thursday.  Go to Church and give thanks.

I Love Jesus

A beautiful friend of mine, AKA The Mom, tagged me for a meme. 

The rules are:

• Share five things you love about Jesus/or why you love Jesus.
• Tag five other bloggers.
• Those tagged will provide a link in the comments section here so others can read them.

For the last one, everyone should know that I moderate comments.  I've been burned more than once, but if you respond to my meme, I will post your response as soon as I can.

Five things I love about Jesus or why I love Him:

1. Jesus loves me unconditionally.
2. Jesus is always there for me.
3. Jesus' infinite mercy heals my spirit when it is broken.
4. Jesus Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist sustains my soul.
5. Jesus gave me a heavenly mother who understands my problems and my worries.

I'm not sure who to tag...how about Scott, Sister Mary Martha, kkollwitz, Kathryn, and...I have to find a fifth one

Innocents--The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to These

Carl Bloch

"MYTH NUMBER FOUR: If an Annulment is Granted the Children will be Illegitimate"

"The truth is that an ecclesiastical annulment is concerned only with the spouses, and not the children. An annulment has no effect at all on the legitimacy of children, or other arrangements regarding children, such as custody or support. These are all concerns of the civil law, and an ecclesiastical annulment has absolutely no effects under civil law. It is a myth that granting an annulment makes the children illegitimate."   
http://www.hbgdiocese.org/Admin/Uploads/Tribunal%20&%20Annulments/Documents/12_m\yths.pdf

Why is it that anti-Catholics are so angry and bitter that they must bring children into the argument?  After all, Jesus did say, "Suffer not the children to come unto Me."  Why?  Because He would hold them responsible for their parents guilt?  I don't think so.  In fact, He performed many of His miracles just to prove this erroneous notion, held by many Jews, wrong.  Why else would He say, "Your sins are forgiven" to the lame man who then walked.  Being born crippled or blind was seen as punishment for the parents' sins.  Jesus proved that wrong.

"Canon 1137 Children who are conceived or born of a valid or of a putative marriage are legitimate."  http://www.catholicdoors.com/misc/marriage/canonlaw.htm

Now if children are born to parents who later decide that marriage was a mistake--whether their marriage was annulled and/or they divorced--the children are not to blame.  Not only is the notion that these children are illegitimate ridiculous, it flies in the face of Jesus' love and compassion for all children.  No child is considered illegitimate by His Church.  They are children of God on equal ground with you and me, as they should be. 

"Does annulment make our children illegitimate?"

"No — children of a marriage that's determined to be invalid by a Catholic annulment, are still legitimate. (Code of Canon Law, canon 1137)  When a couple marries, they assume the marriage is valid and was entered into in  good faith. Children conceived under this assumption of a valid marriage, are considered to be legitimate.  This fact does not change even if the marriage is later found to be not valid."

"In the United States, Catholic annulment does not affect any state civil laws.  It is unrelated to civil concerns such as illegitimacy, child custody, alimony, visitation rights, or division of property."  http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-annulment.html

Maybe people in the church had a different idea about this at one time, but that is not true any more.  I believe we have a better perspective on Christ's love and compassion for humans and their frailty.  We should not be so hard on our fellow Christians.  Gone are the days of making children feel ashamed because their parents didn't or wouldn't do the right thing.

****

15 People even brought babies to him, for him to touch them; but when the disciples saw this they scolded them.

16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.

17 In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'  Luke 18:15-17

****

13 Then people brought little children to him, for him to lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples scolded them,

14 but Jesus said, 'Let the little children alone, and do not stop them from coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of Heaven belongs.'

15 Then he laid his hands on them and went on his way.  Matt. 19:13-15

We Care About Your Life Why? (or My April Rant)

I cannot believe the plethora of reality shows polluting the television channels now.  I was watching a movie that I really like on WE of all channels.  They were advertising their spring line-up exclusively made up of 8 or 10 "reality" shows.  Do all those people really believe we want to watch their lousy, raunchy lives, just because they have money?   Few of them have any manners, let alone any idea of civility.  Oh, and the modesty, where is the modesty?  Do these people really believe that people want to watch their foul-mouthed, rude, amoral, sometimes immoral antics? 

I confess, I do watch such 'reality' TV shows as Project Runway (never let my kids watch it since their are typically many gays on this one), Top Chef (don't let my kids watch this one since their are typical many lesbians on this one), Chopped (don't let my kids watch this one since...well, you get the idea), Food Network Challenge, The Apprentice (now Celebrity Apprentice) etc.  But looking at my choices, they are in reality (no pun intended) mostly competition shows.  I stopped watching soap operas decades ago, I don't want to watch somebody else airing their lives as some kind of soap.  It is not that interesting to me. 

Real life is complicated and hard.  We struggle with money, homeschooling, house and cars, and health and dental problems with the kids.  We struggle to do the right thing and help each other and our children get to Heaven.  Why would I want to watch you, who has millions of dollars, squander it on overpriced, unstylish clothes, ugly hair, ugly nails, gaudy jewelry, and gas guzzling cars you didn't earn.  Many are just famous for being famous (Paris Hilton comes immediately to mind) but really live quite sad, pathetic, empty lives.

My reality is quite enough for me.  My 12yo was upset Sunday.  He said, "It is against the commandment to keep the Lord's Day holy to do unnecessary work.  Why do I have to do the dishes?"  I tried not to laugh as I explained to him that dishes were necessary to eat off on Sunday just like any other day of the week.  Yep, how is that for a child throwing their Faith back in your face.  Reality TV?  Who needs it?  I really need to watch less TV.