[Reflect on the following quotes for 9 days in a row.]
In the Old Covenant I sent prophets
wielding thunderbolts to My people.
Today I am sending you
with My mercy to the people of the whole world.
I do not want to punish aching mankind,
but I desire to heal it,
pressing it to My merciful Heart.
I use punishment when they themselves force Me to do so;
My hand is reluctant to take hold
of the sword of justice.
Before the Day of Justice
I am sending the Day of Mercy. (1588)
Let souls who are striving for perfection
particularly adore My mercy,
because the abundance of graces
which I grant them flows from My mercy.
I desire that these souls distinguish themselves
by boundless trust in My mercy.
I myself will attend to the sanctification of such souls.
I will provide them with everything
they will need to attain sanctity. (1578)
Have confidence, My child.
Do not lose heart in coming for pardon,
for I am always ready to forgive you.
As often as you beg for it,
you glorify My mercy.
(Jesus to souls striving for perfection and holiness – 1488)
I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine
towards the souls of sinners.
Let the sinner not be afraid to approach Me.
The flames of mercy are burning Me
– clamoring to be spent;
I want to pour them out upon these souls.
(Diary of St. Faustina 50)
This one seemed especially fitting for today,
being Good Friday:
Jesus tells us:
“there is no way to heaven except the way of the cross.
I followed it first.
You must learn that it is the shortest way…
I am giving you a share in those sufferings
because of My special love for you
and in view of the high degree of holiness
I am intending for you in Heaven.
A suffering soul is closer to My heart.”
(Words spoken by Jesus to St. Faustina diary 1487)