Episode 2532: The Triumph of Mercy Rooted in Christ - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we will explore the depth of God's mercy and how it calls us to live a life rooted in Christ. Reflecting on the words of great saints such as St. Catherine of Siena and St. Faustina Kowalska, along with St. Paul’s exhortation to walk in Christ, we’ll dive into the transformative power of Divine Mercy and our response to it.
In a world that often emphasizes justice and retribution, the Catholic faith continually reminds us that God’s mercy is infinitely greater than His justice. St. Catherine of Siena’s words remind us of the extraordinary charity of God, who, though offended by our sins, freely gave His life to redeem us. And St. Faustina’s encounter with Christ highlights the importance of the hour of mercy, 3 PM, when God’s mercy triumphed over justice through the passion and death of Jesus.
Let us begin with the profound insight from St. Catherine of Siena:
"Consider God's charity. Where else have we ever seen someone who has been offended voluntarily paying out his life for those who have offended him?"

This statement encapsulates the radical nature of God's love and mercy. Human logic often demands punishment for offenses; however, the love of God transcends this. In Christ, we see the ultimate expression of love and mercy a mercy so profound that even in the face of offense, He offers Himself as a sacrifice for our salvation. This divine charity is at the heart of our faith, and it is a call for us to extend mercy toward others, no matter how deeply we may have been wronged.
St. Paul echoes this call in his letter to the Colossians:
"So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:6-7).
To be rooted in Christ means to live a life immersed in His mercy. Our foundation, our very core, must be built upon the love and forgiveness of Christ. Mercy isn't just something we receive passively from God; it is something we are called to live and give to others. As Christ pours His mercy into our lives, we must allow that mercy to flow through us, transforming not only our hearts but the hearts of those around us.

This is where St. Faustina’s message comes in. Jesus revealed to her the significance of the Hour of Mercy, 3 PM, the time of His death. He told her,
"As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners..."

Jesus asks us to recognize this hour as a time of grace for the whole world. The victory of His mercy is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing reality that we are invited to participate in every day. Whether we make the Stations of the Cross, visit the Blessed Sacrament, or simply pause in prayer wherever we are, we can access this mercy that triumphs over justice. What an incredible gift!

So, how do we live this mercy? How do we walk in Christ as St. Paul urges, and immerse ourselves in God’s mercy as Jesus asks?

Practical Application:
Frequent the Sacraments:
The Sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, are profound encounters with the mercy of God. In Confession, we experience His forgiveness firsthand, and in the Eucharist, we receive the very Body and Blood of Christ, the ultimate gift of mercy. Make these sacraments central to your spiritual life, drawing strength from them to extend mercy to others.
The Hour of Mercy:
At 3 PM, pause to reflect on the mercy of God. Even if it’s just for a moment, turn your heart toward Jesus, whether through a short prayer, making the Stations of the Cross, or simply meditating on His Passion. Let this become a daily practice, uniting yourself to the immense grace that flows from the Heart of Jesus.
Live Mercy in Your Relationships:
As St. Catherine reminds us, Christ offered His life for those who offended Him. We too are called to extend mercy, even when it feels undeserved. When someone wrongs us, remember the mercy of Christ. Forgive as He forgives, and let mercy triumph over any desire for retribution.
Walk in Thanksgiving:
St. Paul calls us to be "abounding in thanksgiving." Gratitude is a natural response to mercy. When we recognize the gift of God’s mercy in our lives, it leads to a heart full of thankfulness. In moments of difficulty, remember to thank God for His enduring mercy and love.
Conclusion:
God’s mercy is not something distant or unattainable; it is a reality we live in every moment. Just as Christ poured out His life for us, He invites us to immerse ourselves in His mercy and to reflect that mercy to the world. Whether it is through our daily prayers, our reception of the sacraments, or how we treat those who have wronged us, we have the opportunity to participate in this mercy, which triumphs over all.

Let us heed the call of Christ to recognize the power of His mercy, to be rooted in Him, and to live a life overflowing with thanksgiving. As St. Paul said, we are to "walk in Him", allowing His mercy to guide our every step.
Closing Prayer:
Merciful Lord,
We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the immense mercy You have shown us. In Your love, You sacrificed Yourself for us, even when we had offended You. Help us to live in this mercy, rooted in You, and abounding in thanksgiving for all that You have done. May we extend Your mercy to others, forgiving as You forgive, and may we never forget the grace You offer us each day, especially in the Hour of Mercy.
Lord, may we always walk in Your ways, glorifying You in all that we do. Through the intercession of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Faustina, may we draw ever closer to Your Sacred Heart. We ask this in Your name.
Amen.