This scene of Mary and Joseph resting in the heart of a pagan land as they flee from Herod's evil plan brings to mind the Israelites' past as slaves in Egypt. Now Mary and Joseph return there to find a refuge in this part of the Roman empire far from home, an empire built on a pagan philosophy. Was God blessing Egypt, the land cursed with the plagues. Was He healing the land of persecution by letting her provide shelter from evil to the Christ child?
God uses all things to accomplish His will. The pagan king Cyrus returned the Jews from the exile in Babylon and helped them rebuild the temple. The pagan kings surrounding Israel were often used to chastise His people and bring them to repentance. Nothing is outside the Providence of God. He uses everything, even sin, for our good.
What is God using in my life now to accomplish His will for me? Am I alert to the signs of His presence and His action? Come, O Holy Spirit, enlighten my mind and enkindle in me the fire of Thy love.
May we all use this new year with its joys and struggles, gifts and challenges to draw closer to the spring of life itself, the living water that is Christ our life.
From my favorite Saint Faustina diary;
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, Jesus made several profound promises to those who pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. These promises focus heavily on the grace of a "happy death," the conversion of sinners, and the power of trust.
1. Mercy at the Hour of Death
The most frequent and emphasized promise is that those who recite the Chaplet will receive great mercy at the moment of their death.
Personal Mercy: Jesus promised, "Anyone who says it will receive great mercy at the hour of death" (Diary, 687).
Defense of the Soul: He stated that He would defend every soul who prays the Chaplet at the hour of death as His "own glory" (Diary, 811).
For the Dying: When the Chaplet is said in the presence of a dying person, Jesus promised to stand between His Father and the dying person, not as a "Just Judge" but as a "Merciful Savior" (Diary, 1541).
2. Hope for Hardened Sinners
Jesus identified the Chaplet as a "last hope of salvation" for those who have lived in serious sin.
The Single Recitation: "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" (Diary, 687).
Peace and Happiness: For hardened sinners who pray it, He promised to fill their souls with peace and make the hour of their death a happy one (Diary, 1541).
3. Granting of Requests
Jesus indicated that the Chaplet is a powerful tool for intercession, provided the request aligns with His will.
Compatibility with His Will: "Through this chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will" (Diary, 1731).
Appeasing Wrath: Jesus told St. Faustina that this prayer "serves to appease My wrath" regarding the sins of the world (Diary, 476).
4. Graces During Life
While much of the focus is on death, Jesus also promised protection and peace during one’s lifetime.
Continuous Embrace: "The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death" (Diary, 754).
Stirring Divine Mercy: He told Faustina that the "very depths of My tender mercy are stirred" for the sake of those who say the Chaplet (Diary, 848).
Summary Table of Key Promises