Embracing His Divine Mercy

04-07-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Beloved Parishioners,

This week I share reflection on Divine Mercy as this Sunday is specially devoted to embracing the Divine Mercy of God. “For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” This immortal prayer of Divine Mercy devotion reminds us of the need for God’s mercy in our lives, and ties together the passion of the Lord with the Easter we celebrate. Thus, we are invited today to immerse ourselves in the ocean of divine compassion, to bask in the radiance of the risen Christ, and to be transformed by the power of His mercy.

The message of Divine Mercy Sunday is also one of hope and redemption. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the trials and tribulations that surround us. We may find ourselves grappling with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or shame, weighed down by the burdens of our mistakes and shortcomings. Yet, amidst our struggles, there shines a beacon of hope – the Divine Mercy of God, which we are called to embrace. God’s mercy is not limited by our faults or failings. It knows no bounds, extending infinitely to embrace us in our brokenness and lift us with the promise of redemption. It is a mercy that meets us where we are, offering forgiveness and healing to all who seek it. However, we must note that embracing God’s mercy begins with acknowledging our need for it. It requires humility – the recognition that we are imperfect beings, prone to sin and in need of God’s grace. For it is precisely in our weakness that God’s mercy shines most brightly, transforming our brokenness into a vessel for His love and mercy to flow through (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Scripture is replete with verses that remind us of the depth and breadth of God’s mercy. In Psalm 103:8, we read, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” This verse encapsulates the essence of God’s character – a God who is not quick to anger but instead lavishes us with His unfailing love and compassion. Another poignant example of God’s mercy is found in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The parable beautifully illustrates the boundless mercy of our heavenly Father, who is always ready to forgive and restore us, no matter how far we may have strayed. We must therefore be open to receiving God’s abundant mercy.

However, as we open our hearts to receive God’s mercy, we are also called to extend that same mercy to others. In Matthew 5:7, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” This verse reminds us that as recipients of God’s mercy, we are admonished to extend that same mercy to others. In extending mercy to others, we not only set them free – we set ourselves free as well. We release the burden of bitterness and resentment that weighs us down, and we open ourselves up to the transformational power of God’s love. We become vessels of mercy, channels through which God’s grace flows freely into the world.

We are also invited to follow the example of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska who in her diary, “Divine Mercy in My Soul,” teaches the importance of performing acts of mercy with love and compassion. She emphasizes that even the smallest acts of kindness, done with a sincere heart, has the power to bring healing and hope to those in need. Her life serves as a powerful example of how we can live out the message of mercy in our own lives. Through our words and actions, both spiritual and corporal, we can be instruments of God’s mercy and compassion, bringing healing, hope, and reconciliation to a world in need. As we extend a hand of mercy to others, we are transformed, becoming more fully conformed to the image of the resurrected Christ and experiencing the joy and peace that come from living under God’s will.

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, dear beloved parishioners, may we open our hearts to receive the abundant mercy of God, trusting in His unfailing love and compassion. May we also be inspired to share that mercy with all whom we encounter, so that the light of God’s love may shine brightly in our world. May the grace of God’s mercy be with you all.