by Sister Laura Hackenberg
Our Lord Jesus has given us comforting words of mercy. He wants to lavishly shower mercy and love upon his children. Jesus revealed his message of Mercy to St. Faustina, a simple nun from Poland. He revealed this message to her so that she may pass it on to the world: “Souls that make an appeal to my mercy delight me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. No soul that has called upon my mercy has ever been disappointed. I will show my great compassion.”
Reflecting on the mercy of God during this Year of Mercy has given me great consolation and peace. I am inspired by the prayer of St. Faustina. She offers to God her prayer that she may become a vessel of God’s mercy to all she meets.
Prayer of St. Faustina
Most Merciful God, as many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, do I want to glorify Your mercy. I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.
Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls, and look kindly upon them.
Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors’ cries and not be indifferent to their needs, pains, and challenges.
Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good and charitable acts of mercy to my sisters and brothers.
Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor. May I overcome my own fatigue and weariness so that I may walk along with them.
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. And I will rest in safety in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me. Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us. Merciful Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You! Amen.
