Lest You Remain

Born in 1631, in Podegrodzie near Nowy S ' cz, Fr. Papczy < ski was one of the most prominent figures of Polish Catholicism of the 17 th century. He was a great humanist, teacher of rhetoric, public speaker, writer, poet, pastor, spiritual director, ascetic, mystic, and founder of the order. In the Jesuit, Piarist, and Reformed Franciscan schools he obtained a sound general, theological and philosophical edu- cation, which encompassed the wisdom of antiquity, the Middle ages, and modern times. He left behind many writings that included also theological treaties. He died in 1701, in the odor of sanctity. In Fr. Papczy < ski’s teaching on the Divine Mercy a reflection on the unfath- omable depth of mercy takes a dominant place. The author emphatically states that this truth is the very hope of repenting sinners. He also points out numerous graces, with which God showers the people, especially the sinners who run to His mercy. The Blessed Mother—the Mediatrix of Mercy also participates in the distribution of these graces. Father Stanislaus bases his observations on Holy Scripture, especially on the gospel parables; however, he also draws generously from the Church’s entire treasury, in whose tradition this truth has been frequently pondered in a very profound way. Unfathomable Divine Mercy When one considers the moral condition of the modern world, one cannot flee from the impression that all mankind is standing on the edge of a precipice that can consume it. However, God Himself comes to our rescue and points out to us anoth- er precipice that can save us. This precipice is the unfathomable Divine Mercy. In his teachings the Marian Founder moves us closer to it, drawing mainly on the gospel parables. First, he makes a connection between his reflection about the Divine Mercy with the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector who come to the temple to pray. The Tax Collector “beat his breast” (Lk 18:13), repented for his sins, and “went home justified” (Lk 18:14). This is an example of how we ought to trustful- ly immerse all our imperfections in the unfathomable Divine Mercy. The Pharisee’s behavior, on the other hand, which Jesus censured, is a warning for those who hold people in contempt and condemnation. No one has a right to do so, because God’s Heart is open for everyone. God does not close a road of salvation before any sin- ner who wants to repent and make amends. Remembering God’s goodness, which we have experienced ourselves, and being aware of our own frailty keeps us from judging others and treating them harshly. 3 L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 196 in viam veritatis, ad perfectionis nempe regulas, convertisset, et sauciam, fractamque restaurasset”. S. Papczy < ski, Inspectio cordis , ca 1680-1685, rps, f. 84r. 3 Ibid., f. 74v.