Moments With Mary

 

  Happy May, everyone! May is the month we turn our eyes toward our heavenly Mother, Mary. Mary is so important in my life that I sometimes forget that many do not have a close personal relationship with her and don't even realize how much sweeter life can be when you reach out to Mary asking for her guidance and intercession. Let's celebrate the joy of a personal connection with Mary this month and inspire others to draw near to her.

 Recently, my daughter shared an experience she had with a friend. During their conversation, the friend was trying to remember a word. He said, "You know those necklaces some people wear with the beads and the cross?"

 My daughter laughed.  "You mean a rosary?'  She stretched out her hands in both directions, exclaiming, "I could probably reach out and touch a rosary in whatever room I am in my house."  She spun around and spotted one of my rosaries on the table. "It's not a necklace; the Rosary is a prayer.  My Mom's favorite."

 I laughed when she told me this story.  I do have several rosaries in different rooms in my house.  I like to pray everywhere, so that makes sense to me.  I know  I can call  Mary day or night; she is by my side. Mary is never too busy for me, and I hope my days are never too busy for Mary.

 This month, I challenge you to make room for Mary. Remember, the Rosary isn't a necklace or a keepsake; it is a powerful prayer that calls the Mother of God to your side.  Enjoy talking and learning from her.  She has so much she wants to share with you.

-Susan

 

Yes I Trust You! Divine Mercy Sunday

 

  My daughter, do whatever is within your power to spread devotion to My mercy.  I will make up for what you lack.  Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace.

Tell (all people), My daughter, that I am Love and Mercy itself.  When a soul approaches Me with trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.  (Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 1074).

  I love this passage from the diary! The invitation is so intimate. Jesus promises to fill us with peace if we snuggle up to His merciful heart. His love is not distant or generic, but intensely personal. Like John the Apostle, who leaned on Jesus during the Last Supper, Jesus extends the same invitation to us. You can only snuggle up to someone you truly know, trust, and love; this is the depth of intimacy Jesus desires with us. As we remain close to His heart,  our lives will be filled with peace.

 It's almost unfathomable that Jesus has to plead with us to trust Him. If we can't trust Jesus, who can we trust? The more we trust Jesus, the more grace He bestows upon us.  It's a situation where everyone wins. Jesus declared, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10). Jesus desires our happiness! And not just ours, but also that we share this Good News with everyone.  Our God is Love and Mercy! Never fear being too close to God; trust that no one will love you more.  The blood and water which pour from His pierced heart are meant to purify, heal, and save us! The 'Good' of Friday may be beyond our comprehension in this life. Yet, it will be joyously celebrated and understood as we journey with Jesus in Eternity.

 Today is Divine Mercy Sunday!  Let's exult in our merciful Lord and demonstrate to everyone what God's mercy truly looks like! It's a day of jubilation, a day to share the joy of God's mercy with the world!

-Susan

 

The Resurrection!

 

  The Resurrection.  Today, during the (Mass of the) Resurrection, I saw the Lord Jesus in the midst of a great light.  He approached me and said, "Peace be to you, My children", and He lifted up His hand and gave His blessing.  The wounds in His hands, feet, and side were indelible and shining.  When He looked at me with such kindness and love, my whole soul drowned itself in Him.  And He said to me, "You have taken a great part in My Passion; therefore, I now give you a great share in My joy and glory." The whole time, the Resurrection (Mass) seemed like only a minute to me.  A wondrous recollection filled my soul and lasted throughout the whole festal season.  The kindness of Jesus is so great that I cannot express it.  (Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 205.)

  Happy Easter to you all! Indeed, the Lord has risen just as He promised. Death and sin can no longer hold us down. We will now rise and dwell for Eternity with Jesus, a promise that fills us with hope! As we praise Jesus with shouts of Alleluia, let our trust in Jesus guide our lives. Jesus can help us pray through difficulties, as He prayed in the garden. He will strengthen us as we carry our crosses and bless us with His peace and love.

 May the peace of the Lord fill you with great happiness today!  Our King is no stranger.  He stands before you today and speaks your name.  You are His delight!  Together, let us sing, "Allulia, He has risen!" And listen to each verse Jesus sings, "Follow Me. You can trust that I have prepared a place for you for all Eternity!"

-Susan  

Do You Trust Me (Good Friday)

 

“My heart is sorrowful,” Jesus said, “because even chosen souls do not understand the greatness of My Mercy.  Their relationship (with Me) is, in certain ways, imbued with mistrust.  Oh, how much that wounds My heart!  Remember My Passion, and if you do not believe My words, at least believe My wounds.”

(Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul 379.)

Let your love and trust grow stronger as you remember the Lord's Passion today.  There is no greater love than this:

    Jesus gave His life for YOU.

 

-Susan

Do Yu Trust Me (Holy Thursday)

The most solemn moment of my life is the moment when I receive Holy Communion.  I long for each Holy Communion, and for every Holy Communion, I give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity. (Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul 1804).

  On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which will be given for you, do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19). Jesus very specifically states who He is giving up His body for. He gave his life for YOU! Receiving Holy Communion is a very personal moment between you and Jesus.  It is a moment of pure love for Jesus. Is it a moment of pure love for you as well?

-Susan

Do You Trust Me/ (Week 6)

  For them (souls and poor sinners), I dwell in the Tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow My graces upon souls but they do not want to accept them….My heart drinks only of the ingratitude and forgetfulness of souls living in the world.  They have time for everything, but they have no time to come to me for grace.  Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul (367)  

  

   Imagine if a favorite actor, sports star, or singer asked you to come to their house. Would you do it? Would you rearrange your schedule for them? Would you share your experience with others? Do you ever dream of being like them?

 Just as people eagerly welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday, do we give Him the same attention the rest of the week?  After Sunday Mass, how much time do we spend with Jesus? He desires to be your closest friend. Does that thought excite you?  Do you rearrange your schedule to be with Him? 

 Jesus, the King of Heaven and Earth, is so good and loving that He patiently waits for us. He invites us to spend time with Him, but we often have too many other things going on.   What excuses have you given Him for not coming?  If you feel embarrassed about this, know that you're not alone.  Let's make a promise to make this week different. Let this week be the beginning of something new.

-Susan

   

Do You Trust Me? (Week 5)

  (Jesus told St. Faustina) "My heart overflows with great mercy for souls and especially for poor sinners.  If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that the blood and water flowed from My heart as from a font overflowing with mercy."  Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul (367)              

 

 (This quote refers to the graces in the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Today, we will examine the first part of the quote and revisit it next week.)

 

  Ashamed and standing just outside the church doors with your head cast down, your heart whispers, "Father, forgive me, for I have sinned."  You hear the door open, and as you slowly look up, you notice Jesus standing at the entrance.  He takes your hand and gently guides you inside.  "Lord, my sins are so many." You then let out a very long sigh.

 Jesus continues to hold your hand and says. "They don't have to be a part of you anymore. Give them to Me."

 "I'm ashamed to say them out loud."

 Jesus places a hand on your chin and slowly raises your head so that your eyes meet His.  "Do you trust that all things are possible for Me?  Do you trust that I can heal with one word, with one touch?  There is no end to My Mercy.  I can wash away the ugliest of sins.  So tell Me what needs to be healed in your heart, and I will show you the fountain of mercy flowing from Mine."

 Slowly, you speak words unveiling dark secrets. You kneel before the Lord, exposed and vulnerable, afraid to meet His gaze again. But again, Jesus lifts your head and says, "Child, I absolve you of all your sins."  Then He wraps His arms around you and presses you close to His heart.  Mery and love flow through you. You feel beautiful, cleansed, and renewed. Instinctively, you realize this is how you were meant to be: a child whose heart contains God's love and mercy.

-Susan