Although I pray the Divine Mercy prayer each day, I never really dwelt much on why; it seemed obvious. I know that at Fatima Our Lady predicted a great chastisement, and other warnings also occurred, including the one to Sr Faustina, who was instructed to tell the world to pray for Divine Mercy. Today I was given more insight as to why this prayer is needed --- so very much needed.
As I pulled out of the garage this morning, the car radio played an old radio program. It had Bob Hope playing the part of a self-centered star football player, who always belittled another star player on his team. Then, Bob was seriously injured and his recovery seemed unlikely. He grew depressed. But one day a little girl visited him in the hospital, and she told him she had also been paralyzed, but she prayed and trusted God, and together they worked on her gradual healing. “Like teamwork,” said Bob Hope. “Yes, I can do that too.” And with his confidence restored he too was gradually healed. But it wasn’t until he reported back to his team that he again saw that little girl --- and found out she was the daughter of his teammate, the one he had so often belittled. The man had sent his daughter to see Bob. In the end of the story, Bob helped his teammate in his time of need. And the moral, well, it’s obvious. Love your neighbor, and accept his love, and trust in God.
As I drove and continued listening to the story, I suddenly saw the most beautiful sunrise in the Eastern sky. Overwhelmed, I said “Dad, You are so good to us.” Dad!!?? Where did that come from? I had never addressed to God in such intimate terms before. I surprised myself, but it felt good. And as the touching Bob Hope story concluded, I felt love all around me. (You can hear that story and others at: www.familytheater.org.)
Arriving at church, I was the first to sit in the area of confession seating when a woman came over to me and asked if I were there for confession. I said yes, as she pointed to a nearby sign which said “No Confessions Today”. I confidently said that must be wrong, and so she said she’d check. A short while later she came back and changed the sign. On impulse, I then offered her Roma Downey’s book titled Unexpected Blessings. I had brought a copy to church to give to the priest, but just like yesterday, I now ended up giving that book to a stranger. She was grateful, and then a few minutes later came back to show me a book which she was reading; “I really like this one.” I now think I misunderstood her as offering me the book, and I couldn’t stop myself from quickly responding: “Oh yes. I agree; it is a great book. I already read it.” Which was a lie.
She left, and then I again turned to considerations of what sins I should be confessing after mass. Then all of the morning events came into my thoughts: pride, unexpected blessings --- happening in the movie and then the title of my book, “Dad”, and finally my rejection of a stranger’s offer of return kindness. And then I knew what would be my confession.
In rejecting the loving action of a stranger, I rejected Your love, Lord. You often work through the people You put into my life. Love is the greatest gift you could offer me. And so, I now realize that I am no different than the people of this culture that I so often look down upon. We are all rejecting Your love. Years ago, I had once experienced what I perceived as Your sadness over the sins of this world; I remembered how hard I had cried then. Now I see Your sadness in a new light: our sins are a very sad thing, yes, but ignoring Your never-ending Love, oh, how sad that must make You.
Lord, Dad, I am so sorry for making You sad, and I sincerely pray for Your Divine Mercy on me, and on the whole world. You died for us; You love us --- and we act as if that’s not enough.
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This morning, as I was just writing the last lines above, my phone rang. The caller was from an organization called America Needs Fatima. He told me of Fatima’s warnings of chastisement, and of all the great work his organization does, educating students and organizing hundreds of rosary rallies “to pray for our country”. He asked if I would consider a small monthly gift so they could focus more on their work. But, of course. What a nice “coincidence” that he called today.
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And now it is evening, as I review and complete these words in the adoration chapel. The lone man with me in the chapel sobbed as he prayed. I again had picked up a copy of Roma Downey’s book and brought it to the church, again intending to give it to the priest. But I found myself picking up the book and giving it to the man, suggesting he just read a chapter, and that it might lift his spirits. He read a chapter and came over to me. “This is a wonderful story,” he said of the short chapter he had read. “I was praying for my wife, who was diagnosed with cancer, and has been very down. These are just the words she needs to hear. Thank you for answering my prayer.” And I gave him the book.
Few people read this blog, so I don’t expect to hear anyone telling me what “a coincidence” today’s events have been. Oh, one more thing to note: the man, Don, said he and his wife just finished two wonderful books, and he’d like to bring them to me.
And I said “Yes, thank you.” ----- this time. 😊
Cast all your
cares on Him, for He cares for you.
1Pt 5:7
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