God's love for you - 9th April 2023
The image of Divine Mercy
Is an image requested by Jesus Himself: “I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: ‘Jesus, I trust in You’” (Diary, 327)
The distinctive features of rays of blood and water that flow from the Heart that was pierced by a spear and the scars caused by the wounds of crucifixion reminds us the events of Good Friday (Jn 19:17-18; 33-37) and attest the fullness of God’s love for mankind. When asked about the meaning of the two rays, Jesus explained: “The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls…These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him.” (299)
The Sacraments of Baptism and Penance purify the soul, and the Eucharist most abundantly nourishes it. Thus, the two rays signify the Holy Sacraments and all the graces of the Holy Spirit, whose biblical symbol is water, as well as the New Covenant of God with men in the Blood of Christ. “This image,” Jesus declared, “is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works.” (742). Our Lord also attached special promises: “By means of this Image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so let every soul have access to it.” (570)
“I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory.” (48)
(Reference: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska - Divine Mercy in My Soul, Marian Press, Stockbridge, MA 01263, 2005)
