Could you be happy if you were in prison? Or what if you were called at a young age to enter a cloistered monastery and live in seclusion throughout your life? Could you find happiness if you were living in the utmost poverty having barely enough to feed your family each and every day? The answer is “Yes.” You most certainly can find happiness within any situation of life. How? Happiness is not dependent upon the external circumstances of life that are out of our control. It is not dependent upon wealth, physical freedom, or even vocational callings. Happiness is found exclusively in the fact that we are intimately united with our Divine Lord, no matter what our vocation or life circumstances. The question is whether or not you are in love with God (See Diary #201).

Reflect upon your interior relationship with our Divine Lord. Do you know and love Him in a real and personal way? Do you daily communicate with Him and spend your day in His presence? Is your life of prayer alive and flourishing? Does your heart burst forth with a burning love? God loves you perfectly. Love Him back and you will find your source of your joy in life.

My dear Lord, help me to love you with a burning love. Help me to know You in the most intimate and personal of ways. I know that my happiness depends solely upon my love for You. May that love in my heart increase daily so that I may be one with You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPiRmAwO6Sc

Does your soul feel like it is in a spiritual drought at times? Do you wish you could have greater spiritual consolation in your daily life? This is a common struggle and one that we should not worry about. The primary goal of our spiritual life is to do the Will of God. Often times, a certain spiritual dryness actually helps us live the Will of God more than powerful and emotional spiritual consolations. God knows what we need and will give it to us when we need it (See Diary #195).

Consider, today, how you feel inside. What does your spiritual life feel like today? Now set that thought aside and realize that there is only one thing that ultimately matters: doing the Will of God, not feeling the Will of God. “Doing” must be our food and our strength. Contrast your feelings with your doing today and ask our Lord for grace to live out His Will.

Lord, I recommit myself to Your most holy Will this day. I commit myself to doing that which You command. May I see all Your commands as commands of love. May my embrace of these commands bring strength and peace to my soul, especially during times of spiritual dryness. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu-juWyeTLg

After Jesus’ death, one of the soldiers came to Him and was ordered to make certain He was dead. So that soldier pierced His precious body with a lance and immediately blood and water gushed forth from His wounded Heart. This has been prayerfully reflected upon throughout the ages and has been seen as a sign of the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion and the fact that the Blood of the Holy Eucharist and the Water of Baptism spring forth directly from the ultimate sacrificial gift of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice of the Cross (See Diary #187).

Renew, today, your gratitude for these Sacraments of God’s abundant Mercy. Ponder the fact that they were made possible only because Jesus was willing to sacrifice His life out of love for us. Let His sacrifice, this day, fill your own heart with gratitude and awe as you think about the price He willingly and freely paid so as to redeem us.

Lord, Your love is seen clearly in the Sacrifice of Your Cross. You held nothing back from us as You poured out Your Mercy to the last drop on the Cross. Help me to see and understand this great mystery of sacrificial love. Fill me with gratitude for all that You have done and help me to imitate this total self-giving toward others. Oh blood and water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus, as a font of Mercy for us, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXeNnEGC764

Sin is a topic that many avoid. We don’t like to think about our sins. We don’t like to admit to them, and we often rationalize them as if we do not have any. We can easily come up with excuses for this “sin” or that. But here is another perspective on sin. We should see our sin, no matter how grave or how small, as a little twig. And then we should see a huge and blazing fire. If you were to throw that twig into the fire it would immediately be consumed. The twig is our sin and God’s Mercy is so powerful that it can easily and quickly consume it. We only need to be willing to admit our sins and throw them into that burning fire of Divine Mercy (See Diary #178).

Can you admit your sin? Do you see your sin? No excuses, just honesty. And are you willing to confess your sins, all of them, in the sacramental fire of Reconciliation? If you are aware of the power of God’s Divine Mercy and His willingness to eliminate your sin, you will have no fear in honestly admitting it and letting Him consume it. Try to examine your conscience today and face that which you need to let God burn away.

Lord, Your Divine Mercy is infinite and most powerful. It is a flame of burning love. Help me to trust in You enough to face my sin honestly and to throw it into the fire of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May I trust in this glorious Sacrament and, in so doing, may I trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiFCzVCHe2E

Is it possible to know that someone has a deep interior life of prayer? Even though this is “interior” and is a spiritual reality, is it possible to sense this externally? Most certainly it is. In fact, the deeper one’s life of prayer the more that this interior life will shine forth for others to see (See Diary #172).

How about you? What does your soul radiate? When people see you, what do they sense? Certainly our perceptions of people can be wrong at times, but when God is alive in an abundant way, those who have eyes to see will see. Those who are hungry for God will perceive His presence in your life and be fed by Him through you. Reflect upon how radiant your interior life is. And reflect upon whether or not that burning flame within is shining forth for others to see. And if it is not burning brightly and intensely, today is a good day to kindle that fire within.

Lord, I invite You to come live in my soul. I invite You to fan into flame the spark of faith that I have. May Your love and Mercy become a blazing fire in me so that I may be consumed by You and so that others may sense Your love through me. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3doBx2wRAns

The secular world is filled with bad news. The newspapers, talk shows, and other forms of media thrive on sensational and exaggerated tragic events to keep our attention. And we, for our part, are often eager to share the latest gossip or criticism. But what about the good news? What about the news of God’s abundant Mercy? How often are you fascinated by this message and how often do you seek to tell the world about the Mercy of God? (See Diary #164)

Reflect upon that which you are most eager to share with others each and every day. Think about the joy you receive when you speak of the goodness and Mercy of God. Look for opportunities, this day, to share some joy about how great God is. Look for ways that God’s beauty and goodness have been evident this week and speak of His workings to those God puts in your path.

Lord, help me to turn from the sensationalism and negativity of the secular world. Help me, instead, to turn my eyes to You and Your glory. Give me courage, wisdom and love so that I may speak of You freely and joyfully. Lord, You are the Good News that must be shared everywhere. Help me to be a willing instrument. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAt4B4wfAC0

Think of the most beautiful sunset possible, gleaming over the wide ocean in the evening with the sky radiant in color. Or think of the majestic mountain peaks piercing through a bright blue sky, or a mighty waterfall, pouring forth from the heights. All of these gifts of creation are glorious, beautiful and breath-taking. But none of them compares to the glory and majestic splendor of God’s Mercy (See Diary #158).

God’s Mercy, when properly perceived, will take our breath away and more. We will be left in awe of His perfect unfailing love for us. But sometimes we cannot see His Mercy for what it is. Reflect, today, upon your own experience of God’s Mercy. Do you perceive all that He is? Have you had moments when you have encountered His Mercy in an overwhelming way within your own soul? If not, spend time seeking to comprehend Him. Humble yourself before Him and ask Him to peel back the veil of His infinite love for you.

Lord, I know You are merciful beyond what I could ever imagine. But there are many times when I do not understand You and Your ways. I feel distant and lost. Help me to know Your love. Help me to see the splendor and beauty of who You are. And help me, as I come to discover You, to be drawn into a burning love for You. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wOiKT44SsA

It’s easy to presume that everyone we know will go to Heaven. This, of course, should be our hope. But if one is to attain Heaven, there must be a true interior conversion. Each person who enters Heaven is there because of a personal decision to give one’s life to Christ and to turn from sin. How do we assist those around us on this journey? The most important thing we can do is pray for them. At times, praying for another can seem futile and unproductive. We may not see any immediate results and conclude that praying for them is a waste of time. But do not let yourself fall into that trap. Praying for those whom God has put into your life is the greatest act of Mercy you can show them. And your prayer may actually be the key to their eternal salvation (See Diary #150).

Think about those whom God has placed in your life. Be it family, friends, co-workers or simple acquaintances, you have a duty to pray for them. Your daily prayer for those around you is an act of Mercy that can easily be exercised. Call to mind those in your life who may be in most need of prayer today and pause to offer them to God. As you do, God will pour grace upon them and He will also reward your own soul for this act of generosity.

Lord, in this moment I offer to You all those who are in most need of Your Divine Mercy. I pray for my family, friends and for all those whom You have put in my life. I pray for those who have hurt me and for those who have no one to pray for them. Lord, I especially pray for (mention one or more people who come to mind). Fill this child of Yours with an abundance of Mercy and help him/her on the way to holiness. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFoDy-c2hbw

There are both interior and exterior difficulties we encounter as we attempt to form a daily habit of prayer. Interior difficulties: discouragement, dryness, heaviness of spirit and temptations. These difficulties are overcome through patience and perseverance. Exterior difficulties: fear of what others may think or say, and setting time aside. These difficulties are overcome through humility and diligence (See Diary #147).

Try to set a daily time for prayer and do not be afraid if others become aware of this commitment. Make it a time where you set aside every distraction and diligently focus in on the voice of God. Try kneeling or, even better, try laying prostrate before our Lord. Kneel or lay prostrate before the crucifix in your room or before the Blessed Sacrament at church. If you do, you will most likely encounter immediate temptations and difficulties. Do not be surprised by this. You will find yourself thinking about other things that you should do and you may even worry that others will discover you are praying. Persevere, stay focused and pray. Pray deep and pray hard and you will see the good fruits of this commitment in your life.

Lord, give me the strength I need to persevere through any and every difficulty that tries to keep me from my prayer with You. Make me strong so that I can set aside any struggle or temptation that comes my way. And as I press on in this new life of prayer, please take my life and form me into a new creation in Your love and Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtMc7_kOTNk

What is it that makes your soul beautiful? Prayer. What is it that keeps you from sin? Prayer. What is it that fills you with hope? Prayer. What is it that leads you on the road to holiness? Prayer. Prayer is the key to all things. Without prayer, each and every day, you are directionless in life and are left to your own wisdom and ability, which is a frightening state to find yourself in (See Diary #146).

Do you pray? Not just every so often, at Sunday Mass or before meals. But do you truly pray every day? Do you spend moments alone speaking to God from the depths of your heart and let Him speak back to you? Do you allow Him to initiate a conversation of love with you every day and throughout the day? Reflect, today, upon your habit of prayer. Reflect upon whether you can honestly say that your daily conversation with God is the most important conversation you have each day. Make this a priority, the number one priority, and all else will fall into place.

Lord, I know my prayer life is weak. I know I need to give more attention to my daily conversation with You. Help me to form a strong habit of prayer, each and every day, so that this life of prayer will become the guiding light of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9WPgx5FBtM

Do you love with a pure love? What does this form of love look like? Pure love is one that flows directly from the Heart of Christ to and through your life. This holy love has beautiful characteristics. First, it is plentiful. When we love with the Heart of Christ we love in abundance. There is no limit to how much love we can share. It’s like the brightness of the sun at noon casting rays on all below. Second, it’s ingenious, doing what is pleasing to God. It is not cautious or calculated. It does not hesitate or evaluate. Rather, the wisdom of love is immediate and knows in each moment how to radiate God’s love. And third, it is happy. Even when love calls one to heroic sacrifice there is great delight in this total self-giving (See Diary #140).

Reflect, today, upon how fully you love with a pure and generous heart. Do you give of yourself in abundance? Is it a delight to serve without counting the cost? Do you easily find ways to show Mercy to others and delight in doing so? Ponder these questions today and pray that the Lord shines through all you do.

Lord, please purify my heart and make it holy. Let my heart be joined to Yours so that I may radiate all that You are. Shine through me in abundance and guide me in a pure love. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cprW93nHTvc

It’s true that, throughout your day, God is speaking to you. He is constantly communicating His truth and His direction for your life, and He is constantly bestowing His Mercy. The problem is that His voice is ever so gentle and silent. Why? Because He wants all of your attention. He will not attempt to compete with the many distractions of your day. He will not impose Himself upon you. Rather, He waits for you to turn to Him, to set aside all distractions, and to be attentive to His quiet but clear voice (See Diary #130).

Do you hear God speak? Are you attentive to His gentle interior promptings? Do you let the many distractions of your day drown out God’s voice or do you habitually set those aside, diligently seeking Him all the more? Seek His interior promptings this day. Know that these promptings are signs of His unfathomable love for you. And know, that through them, God is seeking your full attention.

Lord, I love You and desire to seek You in all things. Help me to be aware of the ways in which You speak to me day and night. Help me to be attentive to Your voice and to be led by Your gentle hand. I give myself to You completely my Lord. I love You and wish to know You more fully. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zYNn-669DM

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34

The first most fundamental question posed to us through this Scripture is this: Do you wish to come after Jesus? Unless this question is answered first, the rest of what Jesus says will have no effect upon us. So let’s look at that question.

Intellectually speaking, everyone reading this has most likely answered that question in the affirmative numerous times. Each time you go to Mass, spend time praying, or read the Scriptures you are, in one way or another, saying, “Yes, I want to come after You, Lord.” Most likely, we have all even said specific prayers by which we make the conscious choice to follow Christ. But we should see much more than the need to simply make an intellectual choice in this passage.

The phrase, “Whoever wishes” seems to reveal even more than a decision, it also reveals a desire. It reveals that a desire to follow Christ is not usually the first step in the process, it’s the last. The first step is to come to an understanding of the truth and to profess it. Secondly, we must will what we have chosen. Thirdly, once grace begins to work on us to transform us, we begin to “wish” or “desire” all that Jesus wants of us and all that He calls us to embrace.

So what will we find ourselves “wishing” if we are following Christ with our whole being? We will find that we desire what Jesus reveals next; namely, we will desire to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Do you desire that?

It’s easy to desire to love and be loved, at least on a more superficial level. Hopefully, we all enjoy kind and caring words, both giving them and receiving them. But the true love of Christ, following His example of love, requires a desire for selfless and sacrificial love. This is the perfection of love! We are called, ultimately, to love without even considering the cost or the demands that Christian love places upon us. Or, to take it even further, we are called to love even that which is painful and difficult when it is the will of God. His will most certainly includes acts of sacrifice. True love, ultimately, desires even this.

Reflect, today, upon this most fundamental question. Do you wish to come after Jesus and, therefore, are you ready and willing to embrace and even desire all that this entails? You make the choice; God will place the desire in your heart. Say “Yes” to Him and His Cross. In the end, you will be eternally grateful you did.

My sacrificial Lord, I want to desire Your Cross. I want to come to a level of love through which I desire to give myself completely to You, without counting the cost, and even desiring those acts which require great sacrifice. You embraced Your Cross without reserve out of love for us. Help me to imitate Your perfect example. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ay0hB_W27I

We are called to be saints. And if we walk down that road, we will be called to live heroic virtue. Heroic virtue will not always be understood by others. In fact, in the opinion of worldly wisdom, heroic and holy virtue is foolishness. But we must not allow the opinions of worldly “wisdom” to confuse us, tempt us or distract us from the road of true virtue (See Diary #126).

Are you misunderstood, at times, because you are striving to live a holy life? Do others give you this or that bit of advice which seems to be in contradiction to the voice of God in your own conscience? Reflect upon the road of virtue God is calling you down. The world does not understand the road of virtue, Mercy and forgiveness that we are called to embrace. The world does not understand that we must accept injustice at times in silence and trust. The world does not understand the joy we have when we suffer for the sake of Christ. Keep your eyes on the voice of God as He speaks to you in your conscience and do not let the opinions of others or the world lead you astray.

Lord, help me to walk the road of heroic virtue. At times, this road will leave me misunderstood. And, at times, others will tempt me to turn away from Your divine voice. Help me, at all times, dear Lord, to hear only You and to be obedient only to Your most holy Will. Give me wisdom, strength and courage to always follow Your divine ways of Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2H23A_N4kU

Our tongue can build others up, or cut them down. Our tongue also has a direct effect upon our own soul. When the tongue speaks words inspired by God, we grow in holiness. When the tongue speaks words not from God, we do great damage to our souls and others. The goal is not so much exterior silence; rather, it’s interior silence. Interior silence means that we think and pray before we speak. It means we are interiorly recollected and in tune with the voice of God speaking silently and gently within our conscience. This interior recollection of God is necessary if we are to dispose ourselves to speak the words of Mercy to others at the right time and in the right way (See Diary #118).

Seek, today, to become a person who is continually in tune with the voice of God within your own conscience. God’s language is real and transforming. His language is one of silent but clear communication with us. God is always speaking, are you hearing? Try to silence your own thoughts and ideas today so that you can hear only what He has to say to you.

Lord, I offer You my words this day. May I speak only what You inspire me to speak. May I hear only what You wish for me to hear. Help me, Lord, to enter into a deep and continual recollection of You, and in the silence of my heart may I meet Your divine presence so that I may share You and Your Mercy with others. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV69sNXWZM8

Often times we can be so preoccupied with ourselves and our own problems that we fail to see the struggles and needs of those around us, especially those of our own family. At times, because we are so self-consumed, we run the risk of adding unnecessary burdens to those we are called to love and care for. We need to foster within our hearts true Christ-like empathy and compassion for each person we encounter (See Diary #117).

Do you see the needs of those in your life? Are you aware of their wounds and burdens? Do you sense when they are sad and overwhelmed? Do you add to their sorrow or do you seek to lift them up? Reflect, today, upon the great gift of an empathetic and compassionate heart. True Christian empathy is a human response of love for those all around us. It’s an act of Mercy we must foster so as to lighten the burden of those entrusted to our care.

Lord, help me to have a heart full of true empathy. Help me to sense the struggles and needs of others around me and to turn my eyes from myself to the needs that they carry. Lord, You are full of compassion. Help me also to be filled with compassion for all. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GCC6lkxpv0

It is true that our goal must be Heaven. We must constantly keep our eyes on this eternal reality. Why? Because in comparison to this passing world, Heaven is all that ultimately matters. So how do we keep our focus on Heaven without becoming complacent with our daily duties? Would it be proper to neglect our daily duties and responsibilities so as to spend all day at church? Certainly not. In fact, the way to Heaven centrally involves living our duties well. We must live them in fidelity, diligence and love. Living well while we are here on Earth is the best preparation for Heaven (See Diary #107).

Reflect, today, upon Heaven. See this glorious reality for what it is. It is eternal happiness! It is unending joy! Look, also, at all that God calls you to do each and every day. Be it small menial tasks or great and visible works, do everything for the love of God, seeing each responsibility you have been given as a central way by which you obtain eternal joy.

Lord, I invite You to enter into my life daily. I pray that everything I do may be done as an act of love for You and for others. May I fulfill all my responsibilities well and, through them, obtain the glorious life that awaits. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msFV83S2vFk

Sometimes we do not feel like going to Mass or may be deeply distracted as we approach the Blessed Sacrament. Perhaps one of the best things to do in this case is to live in holy obedience. Jesus wants you to receive Holy Communion every Sunday and every holy day because He knows you need it. He knows that this Food from Heaven is necessary for you to obtain happiness. It is the Gift of Himself given freely and completely to you. And He commands you to attend the Holy Mass for your own good (See Diary #105).

Reflect, today, upon your attitude toward the Gift of the Holy Mass. Do you attend faithfully? That is, without fail? Are you perfectly obedient to our Lord’s command? And when there, how do you enter into the Mass? Do you pray and seek Him inviting Him into your soul? After you receive Holy Communion do you kneel and truly pray? We could never be grateful enough for this sacred Gift. Make your next Holy Communion one that sets you down a path of holiness.

Lord, I thank You for this precious Gift of Holy Communion. I thank You for coming to me in such an intimate and perfect way. Help me to always be obedient to Your command to receive You faithfully. And each time I am privileged to receive You, help me to be fully attentive to Your divine presence. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0z7QO8He5g

“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.” Luke 6:22-23

It takes a lot of faith to “rejoice and leap for joy” after experiencing hatred and persecution from another. Even when one is persecuted on account of his/her faith in Christ, it takes a lot of faith and a lot of love to sincerely rejoice.

But with that said, this level of faith and love is possible! If it were not, our Lord would not have given this teaching. It is a teaching to live the highest ideal. It’s a calling to live in Beatitude.

Though it would be worth it to spend time on each and every one of the Beatitudes and to try to apply them to our lives, it’s also helpful to look at the more general fact that Jesus does not call us to mediocrity; rather, He calls us to the heights of perfection. It is within those heights that our souls find the greatest reward.

Reflect, today, upon this Beatitude. Perhaps you have never experienced persecution and hatred as a result of following Jesus. But even if you haven’t, try to put yourself into this situation and try to honestly discover how you would react. Would you be able to allow persecution to “roll off your back” so to speak? Would you be able to accept injustice in your life without allowing it to disturb your interior peace? Or would you turn bitter and angry as a result of the hurt you would feel?

Try to put your eyes upon the ideals of the Christian life. If you aim for anything less, you run the risk of actually attaining that lower goal. But if you put your eyes upon the high calling of the Beatitudes, then you will find that our Lord will continually draw you closer to His heart, cleansing you, strengthening you, filling you with more faith, hope and love, and bringing you to an increasingly blessed level of holiness. It’s worth it to aim for the ideal!

Lord of perfection, please make me holy. Help me to keep my eyes upon You and upon the virtues and Beatitudes that You call me to live. May I never settle for a mediocre life. Instead, may I strive only for a life of perfection and holiness making You the center of all I long for. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amCqS8uc1rA

Do you know that our Lord gazes upon you, night and day, with perfect love and affection. Do you know that He knows every detail of your life and walks with you through everything? This may be hard to believe because we cannot hear Him audibly, see Him with our eyes, or touch Him with our hands. But His intimacy is much deeper than the physical world. His intimacy is one that looks into our soul and loves us. His gaze of love, if we let it, will cast out all fear in life (See Diary #90).

What is it that you fear the most? What is it that causes you the greatest anxiety? Today, try to identify the cause of your fear. And when you do, know that our Merciful Lord has already seen it all. He is aware of your situation and looks at you with love. The key is to look back at Jesus, to seek His face within your own soul, and to gaze back at Him with love. There, by looking intently upon our Lord, you will find the courage you need to let go of all that weighs you down and you will allow His grace to lift you on high.

Lord, help me to turn my eyes from all my fears. Help me, instead, to seek out Your loving gaze and to allow that gaze of love to cast out all that is not of You. Lord, if I could only see Your face, radiant and beautiful, living in my soul, I would be consoled and comforted in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDITVqspmIM

What is of greater value to God? To be successful in all that you set out to do, or to endure every hardship of life in patience and peace? Many may struggle with this question and want to choose both. Certainly it is easy to see that if we set out to accomplish the Will of God and all that He wants of us, this will be of great value for the Kingdom of God. But what if that which God calls us to do is to embrace patience and peace in the midst of some apparent struggle of difficulty? Is this of great value? Yes, it is of the greatest value because in this process of growing in patient endurance we are made truly holy (See Diary #86).

What is it that is most difficult for you each and every day? What tries your patience more than anything? Do you look at this trial as an “obstacle” to happiness and fulfillment in life? If so, try to look at it from a different perspective. Try to see any difficulty as an opportunity for virtue and, in particular, an opportunity for personal growth in patience. Growing in that virtue delights the Heart of Christ and is of the greatest value for His Kingdom.

Lord, I surrender to You those things that are most difficult for me. I thank You for them and believe that they are what will help me grow in holiness more than anything. I especially offer to You (mention any personal difficulty). Receive it Lord as my offering to You and give me the grace to transform it into love and Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO_PzysW608

There are many times in life when we are treated unjustly. As a result, our first instinct is to fight back, defend ourselves and see to it that justice is done. But is that what Jesus did? No, He remained silent and accepted all injustice as a sacrifice for the atonement for our sins. He was the Just One who took upon Himself all injustice. In doing so, He did two things. First, He appeased the justice of the Father as He offered this injustice for the atonement of sin. This is the central and deepest mystery of our faith. Second, He invites us to follow His example. In doing so, we are invited to accept unjust treatment and meet it with Mercy and forgiveness. This requires great inner strength and love. But if we are able to unite our own unjust suffering to that of Christ’s, we will win more souls for God than if we fought back winning a temporary satisfaction of earthly justice (See Diary #81).

How have you been treated with cruelty and injustice? Reflect upon that which has been most painful to you and know that this suffering is an opportunity for you to atone for the sins of the world. You are enabled, by uniting your hurt to the suffering of Christ, to win many souls for God. This is the mystery of our redemption. It’s a mystery we are invited to enter into, live and offer to God as a sacrifice of love. Take a step in this direction, today, and watch the hurt you have dissolve into Mercy.

Lord, I offer You, this day, my hurt, pain and all suffering. I especially offer You the injustices I have faced in life. May You remove all bitterness from my heart and replace it with Your Divine Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPpvRNgbOME

At times, the truth can seem to be of little consolation to us. That may seem strange to say. But if we are honest, there are times when we suffer interiorly despite the fact that we know what we are feeling is not true. For example, we may KNOW that God is with us and loves us, but we may not feel that or experience that at one time or another. We may KNOW that God is in control of our lives, but we may feel like in our life He is nowhere to be found. This apparent contradiction between what we know and what we feel or experience can be hard to reconcile interiorly. But it is a grace to experience this apparent contradiction. It’s a grace because when we do not feel the presence of God or, even worse, if we feel like we have been rejected by God, we are given, in that moment, an incredible opportunity for holiness. Why? Because faith is not about feeling, it’s about knowing. It’s about knowing the truth in all things, believing that truth and living in accord with that truth despite what we may feel or experience interiorly. Though this can be hard to understand, it’s a truth we must believe and embrace if we are to grow in perfection and holiness (See Diary #77).

Reflect upon the truths of our faith that appear to be in contradiction to what you feel. Which will you rely upon? That which comes through faith? Or that which directs your feelings? The best way to transform your misleading feelings is to make a profound act of faith in all that God has spoken and revealed. Make that act of faith and let God, in His time, redirect all that you interiorly feel and experience. Trust Him!

Lord, I offer You, this day, that which I feel and experience in my life. Specifically, I offer you (state an intention). Help me to rely upon You and all that You have spoken as my guide. Help me to allow Your truth to enter into my life and redeem me. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT1ke0VL1vc

A speck of dust or a grain of sand are somewhat insignificant in most circumstances. No one notices one speck or one grain in the yard or even on the floor of a home. But if either were to enter the eye, this grain or speck becomes immediately noticeable. Why? Because of the sensitivity of the eye. So it is with the Heart of our Lord. He notices the smallest of our sins. Often times we fail to see even our most grievous sins, but our Lord sees all things. If we wish to enter into His Heart of Divine Mercy, we must allow the rays of His Mercy to shine on the smallest speck of sin in our souls. He will do so gently and lovingly, but He will help us to see and experience the effects of our sin, even the smallest ones, if we let His Mercy in (See Diary #71).

Look into your soul today and ask yourself how aware you are of the smallest sin. Do you let His Mercy shine within, illuminating all that is there? It will be a joyful discovery when You let Jesus reveal to you what He sees so clearly.

Lord, I pray that Your Divine Mercy so fills my soul that I see all that is within me as You see it. Thank You for Your gentle and compassionate Heart and for being attentive to the smallest detail of my life. Thank You for being attentive to even the smallest of sins that I need to overcome. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSHKFay0a4A

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that, because we follow Jesus, we should be continually consoled and comforted in all we do. Is that true? Yes and no. In one sense, our consolation will be continual if we always fulfill the Will of God and know we are fulfilling it. However, there are times when God removes all spiritual consolation from our soul out of love. We may feel like God is distant and experience confusion or even sadness and despair. But these moments are moments of the greatest Mercy imaginable. When God seems far away, we should always examine our conscience to make sure it is not a result of sin. Once our conscience is clear, we should rejoice in the sensory loss of God’s presence and the loss of spiritual consolations. Why? Because this is an act of God’s Mercy in that He is inviting us to obedience and charity despite how we feel. We are given the opportunity to love and serve even though we sense no immediate consolation. This makes our love grow stronger and unites us more firmly to the pure Mercy of God (See Diary #68).

Reflect upon the temptation to turn from God the moment you feel down or distressed. See these moments as gifts and opportunities to love when you do not feel like loving. These are opportunities to be transformed by Mercy into the purest form of Mercy.

Lord, I choose to love You and all whom You put in my life regardless of the way I feel. If love of others brings me great consolation, I thank You. If love of others is difficult, dry and painful, I thank You. Lord, purify my love into a more authentic form of Your Divine Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rUmBVIXRcI

Some may feel as though their lives are dull and monotonous. It’s the same thing day in and day out. Sometimes we seek some new excitement and experience. But if we allow grace to accompany us, every day, throughout the simple, repetitive and monotonous aspects of life, we will discover that life is always new. Every experience is a new moment and a new grace. We will never tire of our daily duty because we will discover God alive and fresh in every moment, making all things fruitful and beautiful. When we live in the grace and Mercy of God, we will discover joy and excitement in the smallest and most repetitive of daily activities. This is a Mercy that enables us to love life every moment of every day (See Diary #62).

Reflect upon your daily duty. Are there things that you dread each day? Are there chores that seem thankless and tiresome? Try to envision our Lord walking with you through every moment of every day. See Him with you in every activity, be it great or small. Know that every action you do can become an act of love for God. When this happens, you will begin to discover greater joy in life.

Lord, I invite You to accompany me on my daily journey. I invite You into every big and small duty I have. Help me to make everything I do, be it big or small, living gifts of love to You. In that love, help me to joyfully discover and live in your Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAamE1FPlFA

There are three words to ponder today: humility, simplicity and sincerity. Humble souls see and know God because they do not turn to themselves in their need. They recognize that God is everything and, without Him, they are nothing. Simple souls do not get caught up in the complications of life. They are able to cut through the countless distractions and live a childlike trust in God. Sincere souls are honest souls who are pure in heart and pure in their intentions. Be honest and truthful in your Christian walk and God will overwhelm all that is not of Him in your life (See Diary #55).

Ponder these three gifts today: humility, simplicity and sincerity. How well do you live them in your life? If one stands out as the most challenging, then sit with that for a while. Let God speak to you as you open your heart to His Mercy.

Lord, I open myself to the gifts of humility, simplicity and sincerity. Help me to see each of them as a precious gift that You wish to bestow upon me. May my mind comprehend them and my will embrace them. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaPN8SeMulw

At times we experience life as difficult. Our spiritual life may appear to be dry or overwhelming. Our sins may seem to be too much to overcome. And our relationship with God may appear to be too difficult to foster. But these experiences are all graces that invite us to seek God and His Mercy all the more. One grace we receive, as we need it, is the friendship and guidance God gives us through other people. Look for Jesus in others. Let His Heart reach out to your own in the people He places in your life. God is there, not only in the saint, but also in the sinner. Seek to discover the presence of God in each and every soul (See Diary #53).

Reflect, today, upon the people God has placed in your life. Begin with family but think also about each and every person whom you encounter. Some may be encountered only once, others every day. Know that God dwells in each and every one of them. Do you seek to meet God in each person? Try to look beyond the surface and discover the indwelling of God in them. When you see Him, you will find much more joy in each and every person you meet.

Lord, You promise to come to each one of us and to live within us. Help me to constantly seek Your divine presence in each and every person I meet. Help me to find You in my family and friends, in those at work or within the community. Help me to see You in the stranger I meet in passing and in every soul around me. As I discover You, help me to love You in them. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxFLMry7DAE

Do you understand the Passion of our Lord? Do you perceive His sufferings in your soul? This may, at first, seem undesirable. But perceiving the sufferings and Passion of our Lord is a great grace. As we perceive His suffering we must then encounter it and embrace it as our own. We must live His sufferings. In doing so, we begin to discover that His suffering is nothing other than divine love and Mercy. And we find that the love in His soul which endured all sufferings enables us to endure all things in love. Love endures everything and conquers everything. Let this holy and purified love consume you so that you can endure, in love, whatever you encounter in life (See Diary #46).

Gaze upon the crucifix this day. Gaze upon the perfect Sacrifice of Love. Gaze upon our God who willingly endured all things out of love for you. Ponder this great mystery of love in suffering and love in sacrifice. Understand it, accept it, love it and live it.

Lord, Your Cross is the perfect example of sacrificial love. It’s the purest and highest form of love ever known. Help me to understand this love and to accept it into my heart. And as I accept Your perfect Sacrifice of Love, help me to live that love in all that I do and in all that I am. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saOxlNuJ388

So often in life we can fall into the trap of believing that we are satisfied by worldly and passing things. We can even be fooled into thinking that our sins satisfy us. And, in a strange way, they do offer a temporary satisfaction of sorts. But this “satisfaction” is shallow and deceptive. When we come to the profound realization that nothing but God satisfies our souls, we will be blessed and we will be disposed to seek true satisfaction only in Him. This comes about only through a deep recognition of His Mercy (See Diary #42).

Do you long to be satisfied by the Mercy of God? Do you seek out His Mercy every day? Reflect upon the desires within your heart. What do you long for? Let God’s grace free you from unhealthy and foolish attachments and desires this day so that your desire can be set on God and God alone.

Come to me, Lord, in Your abundant Mercy and free me from the desires of this passing world. Help me to desire You above all things and, in that desire, to be overwhelmed by Your divine love. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTCCCdSGC78

Imagine if you could see your soul as God sees it. What would you see? How might God see your soul? Certainly He sees His precious child and looks at you with the greatest of love. But He also sees your sin, even the slightest sin. These sins, even the smallest imperfection, must be purged from within by His burning love. The Mercy of God becomes deeply “painful” in a spiritual way as it purifies. But this purification is necessary and is freeing. Purification must take place either now or through Purgatory. Choose the purification of God’s merciful love now and you will not regret it (See Diary #36).

Reflect, today, upon God’s love coming to you to purify your soul of every sin, even the smallest imperfection you may have. See this as an act of abundant Mercy. Be ready to feel the sweet pain of being purified and do not run from this. Your purification fills the Heart of our Lord with immense joy!

Lord, help me to see my soul as You see it. Help me to let Your merciful gaze cleanse me of every sin. In Your compassion, dear Lord, replace the sin in my life with Your Mercy. And help me to never run from You. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB0_5txEbps

Throughout life you will be hurt by the sins of others. This is inevitable. The real question to ponder is what you do with this hurt. Will you hold onto it and brew over it? Or will you forgive? But forgiveness is not enough. You must let the Divine Mercy so enter your soul that you not only forgive, but also allow this Mercy to fill your heart with compassion. You must let God’s Mercy inspire you to love deeply. You must come to pray for those who have hurt you and, in doing so, dispense the grace of God to them. You are a dispenser of God’s Mercy when you allow forgiveness to flow from your heart to the hearts of those who have hurt you (See Diary #31).

Humbly ponder your calling to be a dispenser of the compassion of the Heart of Jesus to those who have sinned against you. This is a high calling and requires deep surrender and love. But it is the only way to freedom and is the only way God’s Mercy will fill your own soul.

Lord, I choose, this day, to forgive all who have wronged me. Help that act of Mercy to flood my mind, heart, passions, feelings and every part of my soul. May I be a dispenser of Your perfect and unlimited love for all. Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrNZrM9yyVE