Thoughts on the Divine Mercy Retreat 4/21-23/2017 Jesus' attitude is striking: we do not hear the words of scorn, we do not hear words of condemnation, but only words of love, of mercy, which are an invitation to conversation. "Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again." Ah! Brothers and Sisters, God's face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God's patience, the patience He has with each one of us? That is His mercy. He always has patience, patience with us, He understands us, He waits for us, He does not tire of forgiving us if we are able to return to Him with a contrite heart. "Great is God's mercy," says the Psalm. — Angelus on March 17, 2013 On the last day of our ‘Divine Mercy’ retreat, we met in a circle for a more informal gathering. I encouraged people to share or to ask questions if they wanted. I then invited everyone to speak, as well as to respond to any inquiries that were brought up. It took a few moments before anyone started off but once it did it was a very powerful experience I believe for all. One point that came up over and over again is that in order to begin their conversion journey, things had to fall apart; facades had to fail before healing could even begin to happen. Painful, yes, but healing and pain seem to go together. Just as bitterness, anger, the desires for revenge are also joined at the hip with pain. Each person who shared told a story of things falling part, light being brought into their lives and healing and a new peace and joy was found. I brought up the point that each person who spoke, changed because they allowed grace to work in their lives because they had enough humility to embrace the truth and move on from there. Which I believe, is a grace that is freely offered to all of us. To stop cycles and pain and chaos that have a life of their own until we are forced to changed through outer circumstances, or through the amount of pain that comes from our wounds and sins. Sin is a way to escape life, but it does not deliver, instead, pain increases through the problems that flow from our ‘running away’. Broken marriages, loss of health, serious addictions that can consume us, suck us dry, until there is nothing left. Grace gives life; sin drains the life out of us. So when we crash, it is often a mercy, for it is then that we reevaluate our lives and seek to renew our relationship with the Infinite, that which can only fill our hearts to the depth that we desire. Compared to the suffering caused by our sins, the cross of Jesus is truly light, for it is life giving and healing and does not crush us. We all seek to be seen to the depths of our being, which is what love is. Only Infinite love can do that, and in that seeing, we learn to embrace life without seeking to run away.
Mark. Your reflection is so true. It's only when I hit bottom, that God made the decisive connection in my life. This has happened a number of times since. You would think I'd learn! I've tried to teach my children these lessons so they could avoid similar experiences, but often they too need to learn the hard way, too. Seemingly, only when hands are empty can they be filled. Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
This post of djmoforegon on the thread about miracles of Divine Mercy ties in I think, its trully beautiful in regards to Gods infinite love for all mankind I hope djmoforegon doesn't mind me posting it here. djmoforegon said..............These words of Our Lord to Sister Josefa Menendez make me want to do cartwheels in gratitude. My fears have always presented an obstacle to grace and love. But right after Confession on Divine Mercy Sunday, I read these words. I want them all to have confidence in My mercy, to expect all from My clemency, and never to doubt My readiness to forgive.I am God, but a God of love! I am a Father, but a Father full of compassion and never harsh. My Heart is infinitely holy but also infinitely wise, and knowing human frailty and infirmity, stoops to poor sinners with infinite mercy. I love those who after a first fall come to Me for pardon....I love them still more when they beg pardon for their second sin, and should this happen again, I do not say a million times but a million million times, I still love them and pardon them, and I will wash in My Blood their last as fully as their first sin. Never shall I weary of repentant sinners, nor cease from hoping for their return, and the greater their distress, the greater My welcome. Does not a father love a sick child with special affection? Are not his care and solicitude greater? So is the tenderness and compassion of My Heart more abundant for sinners than for the just. This is what I wish all to know. I will teach sinners that the mercy of My Heart is inexhaustible. I will make it known that My work rests on nothingness and misery—such is the first link in the chain of love that I have prepared for souls from eternity. I will use you to show that I love misery, littleness and absolute nothingness. I will reveal to souls the excess of My love and how far I will go in forgiveness, and how even their faults will be used by Me with blind indulgence . . . yes, write . . . with blind indulgence. I see depths, the very depths of souls, I see how they fain would please, console and glorify Me, and the act of humility they are obliged to make when they see themselves so feeble, is solace and glory to My Heart. What does their helplessness matter? Cannot I supply all their deficiencies? I will show how My Heart uses their very weakness to give life to many souls that have lost it. I will make known that the measure of My love and mercy for fallen souls is limitless. I want to forgive them. It rests Me to forgive. I am ever there, waiting, with boundless love till souls come to Me. Let them come, nor be discouraged. Let them fearlessly throw themselves into My arms! I am their Father.”
This is what I wish all to know. I will teach sinners that the mercy of My Heart is inexhaustible. Amen! Safe in the Flames of the Sacred Heart!
