Jesus, Mercy Incarnate

Foreword This book is a masterpiece of the Divine Mercy message and devotion. First of all, Robert Stackpole is a master of distinctions. Throughout the three parts of this work, he uses his master’s touch in making distinctions in a clear and facinating way. He points out differences that illumine the unity of the “Mystery of Mercy” and makes precise his point for us. Knowing Robert personally, I read in the text his knowledge, love and wisdom of the saints as well as of theologians, com- bined with his own personal commitment and love of the Lord and His Church. As a result, he is a master of the “kneeling and sitting theology” described by Hans Urs Von Balthasar. The product of this two-fold approach of prayer and study is a masterful mosaic of the spiritual life, presenting a practi- cal treasure of “How to live in union with the Lord” from a kaleidoscopic cross-section of Scripture, saints, mystics, theologians, popes and the Catechism of the Catholic Church . From the “sitting” theology we find illuminating distinctions, definitions and descriptions of the Mercy of God. From the “kneeling” theology we find inspiration and the fire of God’s merciful love for us. In Jesus, Mercy Incarnate, Robert Stackpole has done very special service to the Church, both to the faithful and to theolo- gians. It is an anthology and compendium of the merciful love of God for us and how to live in that love. The postscript conclusion of Part III on the Sacred Heart and the Divine Mercy is an example of the master’s touch: They are theologically inseparable and complementary and yet not identical, but they are closely related. Each has a dif- ferent emphasis but both spring from the same source: the Sacred Heart of Jesus overflowing with merciful love for us. Rev. George W. Kosicki, C.S.B.