April 3, 2012 Tuesday: Divine Mercy Mass


Many of us during Lent have been praying the Way of the Cross. Do you ever wonder what Jesus wants to tell us when we pray the Way of the Cross? I found one version of the Way of the Cross based on the words from the Diary of St. Faustina where Jesus speaks to St. Faustina. Really, these words are for us. So let me share some of the prayers of the stations with you, especially as we prepare for this Holy Week.

The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death
Jesus said to Saint Faustina:  Do not be surprised that you are sometimes unjustly accused. I myself first drank this cup of undeserved suffering for love of you. (289). When I was before Herod, I obtained a grace for you, that you would be able to rise above human scorn and follow faithfully in my footsteps.(1164).

 Saint Faustina: Jesus, we are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back, without taking any regard as to whether it’s God’s will that we should speak. A silent soul is strong: no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God. (477). Merciful Jesus, help me accept each human judgment, do not ever allow me to judge you when judging my neighbor.

The Second STATION: Jesus takes up His Cross
 Jesus said to Saint Faustina:  Do not be afraid of suffering, I am with you, (151 ). The more you will come to love suffering, the purer your love for Me will be. (279).

 Saint Faustina: Oh Jesus, I thank you for the Little daily crosses, for opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the misinterpretation of my intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my plans. (343).

Merciful Jesus, teach me to appreciate the difficulties of life, sickness, each suffering, and with love take up my daily cross.

The Fourth STATION: Jesus meets His Mother.
 Saint Faustina: I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakable beautiful. She held me close to herself and said to me, 'I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable mercy of God. Most pleasing to me is that soul which faithfully carries out the will of God. Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of my Son, and in this way you will be victorious' (449).

Mary, Mother of Mercy, be near me and comfort me in my suffering for you experienced great sufferings as you watched your Son walk the Way of the Cross. You, who suffered wounds for us, Christ Jesus, have mercy on us.

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