~ January 27, 2021 ~
“Preparatory Prayer” to the Way of the Cross
O Jesus, my adorable Savior,
I seek Your forgiveness and mercy for myself and for my loved ones,
for those hardened by sin,
and all the faithful departed.
Wash away my sins and those of the whole world
through the infinite merits of Your Passion.
Give me the grace to enter more deeply into the mystery of Your Cross,
so that sharing in Your suffering and death,
I may experience a deep sorrow for my sins
and be ready to embrace willingly,
even with joy, all the sufferings and humiliations of this life and pilgrimage.
Amen.
“A Brief Lesson on Mercy”
An Excerpt from the Book of Fr Michael Gaitley:
“Consoling the Heart of Jesus”
“Mercy is love when it encounters suffering. More specifically, it’s two movements that take place within us when we see someone (or something) suffer. The first is an emotional movement, a movement of compassion that we feel in our hearts or even, when the suffering of the other is particularly intense, deep in our guts. The second is a movement of action. In other words, as we see someone suffering and feel compassion for him, we soon find ourselves reaching out to alleviate his suffering. In sum: Mercy is love that feels compassion for those who suffer (heart) and reaches out to help them (arm)” (129).
“A hard heart is the opposite of mercy. How much we must implore God so our hearts do not become hardened like stone! Our hearts must not beceome insensitive! In fact, insensitivity is the primary sin of mankind against God and neighbor. Hardness of heart separates us from God, is the loss of our humanity, and causes so much suffering. It is also that which brought Jesus to the Cross and caused his death – it is that which crucified Him! Only the love of God that reaches as far as the Cross can open a creach in our heardened hearts” (World Apostolic Congress on Mercy, 2008).
Personal Response: Daily Journal
Which are the areas in my life where I find my heart hardened?
Private comments, reflections, and thoughts are welcomed. Email Fr. JC @ PresentationMedia.
Marian Missionaries of Divine Mercy.
Purchase the book of Fr. Michael Gaitley.