Spiritual Corner -- A Commentary on the Chaplet and on the Hour of Divine Mercy

A Commentary on the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
In 1935, Jesus taught Sr. Faustina the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in person at Vilnius. After that, Jesus revealed to her the value and effect of the prayer as well as the promise that the prayer will bring.

Jesus promised, “Whatever they ask me with this prayer, I am willing to grant them”, (1541) He supplemented, saying, “If their requests are in accordance with my will”, (1731) these special promises are related to the dying, that is the grace of having a peaceful death. Other than those who persistently recite the Divine Mercy, the dying will receive the same blessing if somebody else is praying on his/her behalf. Jesus said, “Priests should recommend the Divine Mercy Chaplet to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even sinners with a stern heart, if they can recite this prayer just once, will receive blessings from my infinite mercy.” (687) Jesus promised to bestow graces even upon those who have recited the Divine Mercy only once in their life time, as long as they do it with full faith, humility, sincerity and a contrite heart when they recite the prayer.

A Commentary on the Hour of Divine Mercy
“Whenever the clock strikes at 3 o’clock sharp, you should immerse yourself in my mercy, adore and glorify my mercy, pray for the world, especially for the poor sinners and for the almighty mercy, as this is the moment when I bestow my mercy.” (1320)

Jesus hopes that everyday his death on the cross at 3 o’clock sharp will be venerated. He expresses that this is the hour when the whole world is full of blessings, and mercy will override justice. (1572) He hopes that we will meditate on his sorrowful passion, as his passion clearly shows God’s mercy for His people. Jesus hopes that we will adore and glorify God’s mercy at this hour, and for the sake of His sorrowful passion, pray for the necessary graces for ourselves and for the whole world, especially for sinners.

Jesus taught Sr. Faustina, saying,” You should try your best to spend this hour on the Stations of the Cross as your duty allows. If you cannot walk the Stations of the Cross, at least you should stay in church for some time before the Eucharist to worship my Sacred Heart that is brimming over with mercy. In case you cannot go to church, then immerse yourself in prayer at wherever you are, even a short moment suffices.” (1572)

Jesus promises that in this hour, “You can receive all you pray for yourself and others.” (1572) “I will not reject anybody who begs for my blessings for the sake of my sorrowful
passion,” (1320)

The Hour of Divine Mercy is obviously related to 3 o’clock in the afternoon. The prayer we offer at this hour should be directed towards Jesus, and our petition should also resort to the merit of His sorrowful passion.

Yours,
Fr. John Wang