It took me a year to read the Diary of St. Faustina, and although it made me feel inferior beyond belief, it was also inspiring and comforting at the same time. The message of mercy and the simple trust in Our Lord is beautiful and love of Christ inducing.
"During his homily, Pope John Paul II also made clear that the Image of The Divine Mercy St. Faustina saw, which is to be venerated on Divine Mercy Sunday, represents the Risen Christ bringing mercy to the world (see Diary 49, 88, 299, 341, 570, 742). Pope John Paul II said: "Jesus shows His hands and His side [to the Apostles]. He points, that is, to the wounds of the Passion, especially the wound in His Heart, the source from which flows the great wave of mercy poured out on humanity."From that Heart, Sr. Faustina Kowalska, the blessed whom from now on we will call a saint, will see two rays of light shining from that Heart and illuminating the world: ‘The two rays,' Jesus Himself explained to her one day, ‘represent blood and water' (Diary, 299).
"Blood and water! We immediately think of the testimony given by the Evangelist John, who, when a soldier on Calvary pierced Christ's side with his spear, sees blood and water flowing from it (see Jn 19:34). Moreover, if the blood recalls the sacrifice of the cross and the gift of the Eucharist, the water, in Johannine symbolism, represents not only Baptism but also the gift of the Holy Spirit" (see Jn 3:5; 4:14; 7:37-39).
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Am going to add that book to my must read list, thanks Debi xx
ReplyDeleteBTW, we just came back from Portugal and made another Pilgrimage to Fatima, will be sending you some treats from there, hope you like them :)
Eloise!! I have missed you!! So glad to hear are doing well! Do you some pics from Fatima you could email me from your trip??? I would love to show my kids and the students I work with.
ReplyDeleteXXOO's!