Hey there,
What do you think of when you hear the word mercy?
Mercy me!
Have mercy!
Beg for mercy.
I watch a lot of sports so I think of the ole mercy rule … where a game is stopped when one team scores a lot of runs on the other team.
Merriam-Webster defines mercy as:
“Compassion or forbearance … shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power.”
Whatever comes to mind, the reality is that mercy is all around us … we just don’t think too much about it.
It’s inevitable in life. Someone is going to be offended from time to time.
Friends, family members or co-workers ask us for forgiveness. We ask God for forgiveness. We ask someone we’ve harmed for forgiveness. Other people ask God for forgiveness.
We are called to be forgiving.
It’s one of the lessons we learn early on as a child. And though it’s difficult at times … even now as an adult … we try our best to give and get forgiveness. To be merciful.
We are the hardest on ourselves though. It’s uncomfortable to ask others for forgiveness. And it can be difficult to ask God for His forgiveness too. Especially when it’s been a while. So we put it off.
We saw last week how Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness … in His life and in His death. Afterall, he was an innocent lamb betrayed by Judas … and yet He forgave. Jesus was led to slaughter … and yet He forgave. And He ultimately died for the forgiveness of our sins. Yet He forgave.
On Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Divine Mercy, also called Divine Mercy Sunday. It’s a wonderful day that is relatively new to our church … only beginning in 2000 with the canonization of Saint Faustina.
The main message for Divine Mercy Sunday is that the Lord is merciful and wants to forgive us our sins. All we have to do is ask!
This week’s Genuflect focuses on this special Divine Mercy Sunday. The history and timeline of how it began with a nun in Poland and ultimately came to be a feast day with a plenary indulgence attached, how to receive a full or partial plenary indulgence on Sunday, the hour of great mercy, the divine mercy image, assistance with confession … and don’t miss the Divine Mercy chaplet prayer.
We should all live a merciful life every day … but especially this Sunday we’re blessed with the opportunity to receive God’s complete forgiveness for the asking. Be sure to see what special Divine Mercy Sunday services your parish is hosting.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
The History of Divine Mercy Sunday
What is Divine Mercy Sunday? When and why did the church start celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Divine Mercy Sunday? | US Catholic
Divine Mercy Timeline
Here is a timeline that lays out the history of the message and devotion to Divine Mercy, beginning with the birth of Helena Kowalska in Poland in 1905 and ending in 2002 with the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary issued on Indulgences attached to devotions in honor of Divine Mercy.
Timeline: Events in The Life And Mission of St. Faustina | Divine Mercy Org.
Revelations to St. Faustina
Through Saint Faustina, we hear from Jesus directly about the power of His mercy and our salvation. Here are 17 things Jesus revealed to St. Faustina.
17 Things Jesus Revealed to St. Faustina About Divine Mercy | National Catholic Register
The Promise of Divine Mercy Sunday
What a blessing it is to have a dedicated day during the year where we have the opportunity to “obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment!” Here’s what you need to know about His great promise of Divine Mercy Sunday.
The Great Promise of Divine Mercy Sunday | Catholic Exchange
Divine Mercy Indulgences
On Divine Mercy Sunday we have an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence or a partial indulgence. Here’s what you need to do.
Summary of the Decree of Indulgence | EWTN
9 Things to Know
Divine Mercy Sunday is relatively new and yet it’s grown quite a following. If you’re wondering what all the excitement is about, check out these 9 things you should know about it.
9 Things You Need to Know About Divine Mercy Sunday | National Catholic Register
The Hour of Great Mercy
Jesus referred to the “hour of great mercy” numerous times in his messages to Saint Faustina. Not only did he explain when it is, and what it is, but He expressed what He wants us to do during this time. And the grace we can receive.
What is The “Hour of Great Mercy?” | Aleteia
The Divine Mercy Image
A key part of the Divine Mercy messages shared with Saint Faustina was a specific image of Jesus. Here’s how an act of faith with this special image can help protect you, your family, and your house.
In Perilous Times, ‘Put the Divine Mercy Image on Your Doors’ | National Catholic Register
About Confessing Our Sins
The most difficult part of the Sacrament of Penance is the confessing of our sins. Some wonder why we can’t just confess our sins directly to God. Here are 3 compelling reasons why it’s important to confess to a Priest.
Experience “Forgiveness And Mercy” in Confession | BC Catholic
genuflect: prayer
Pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet was given to Saint Faustina by Jesus. Though you can pray it any time, it has special meaning when prayed on Divine Mercy Sunday and during the 3pm hour, a.k.a. the “hour of great mercy.” You don’t need a special chaplet … keep track of the prayers with your Rosary. You’ll find the full instructions for the Divine Mercy Chaplet here.
genuflect: bonus
Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Divine Mercy wallpaper for your desktop and your phone.
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
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