How big is God’s mercy? Two years ago, on back-to- back days in Poland, we visited Auschwitz and the Divine Mercy Shrine. Riding the bus to the Shrine, we read in the Hallow app the daily reflection from Jeff Cavins about these exact two places. It was a chilling challenge to consider whether I truly believe that God’s mercy is big enough extend to the commandant of Auschwitz. If you want to challenge and stretch your understanding of Divine Mercy, search on YouTube for the video: “3Ufy1ic88X0”

I recently had a conversation with a friend who was trying to understand whether something was a temptation or a grace. He was grieving on Easter over the many Communions received without sufficient spiritual and sacramental preparation. Was this a temptation to pride: “I am not like the rest”? Or was it a grace: “I am sharing in the Lord’s own heartache at His desire to forgive sin, if only we would turn to Him?”

I think the answer is found in the response: transforming temptation into prayer with the Heart of Our Lord: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!”

If something is a temptation, then the enemy of our souls will abandon that tactic if it consistently drives us into the merciful Heart of Our Lord. Don’t worry—he will look for other weaknesses in your soul. But he won’t keep hammering you with a temptation that habitually drives you closer to Jesus.

So do not despair at the sins of the world, or our country, or your family, or even yourself. When they come to mind, toss them into the ocean of mercy that flows from the pierced and resurrected side of Our Lord!

Ohhhh… and the very day I type this, I got word that the reredos for the Adoration chapel is finished, and shipping is being arranged! Soooooo close!

pax et bonum,

Father John Mosimann