Pillars of Fire In My Soul

The Merciful Heart of Sister Faustina Speaking of “other aids” that widely and strongly are to attract souls to Jesus’ Mercy, one should find it difficult not to mention, even briefly, what role Sister Faustina’s merciful heart is to play in all this. The Savior wanted the future “Apostle of His Mercy” to form her sentiments and her whole conduct in accordance with this great attribute. In her life we find many instances which give witness to how thoroughly imbued she was with this desire of the Lord Jesus, so that we can rightly speak of “the merciful heart of Sister Faustina”. First of all, she exercised mercy towards the poor through material help according to the means of the convent. And she did this so enthusiastically and heartily that the Savior manifested to her in a miraculous way how pleasing to Him were those little works of mercy. Moreover, the Lord drew her heart yet more strongly toward those works of mercy which bring not only temporal relief but which, by their effects, have a bearing on all eternity. It was a matter of helping sinners, the dying, and the souls in Purgatory. This triple devotion kept developing continually in Sister Faustina’s soul. Here, in corroboration of the above, are a few examples: About ten thousand people die each hour, and many of these pass away after a very sinful life without spiritual ministration. These unfortunate persons find themselves in danger of eternal damnation. Is it not the greatest work of mercy to save these souls? I often attend upon the dying, wrote Sister Faustina, and through entreaties I obtain for them trust in God’s Mercy ... God’s mercy sometimes touches the sinner at the last moment in a wondrous and mysterious way ... the soul, illumined by a ray of God’s powerful final grace, turns to God in the last moment with such a power of love that in an instant it receives from God forgiveness of sin and punishment ... Oh, how beyond comprehension is God’s mercy! (Diary, 1698) Divine Mercy … We Trust in You! 57