How Jesus Still Speaks to Us During COVID-19

On the 100 th commemoration of St. John Paul’s birth, Pope Francis announced that the monumental of St. Faustina was no longer just for the neighbourhood Polish Church, but one that ought to be celebrated by followers in all regions of the world. Her feast day is October 5th. During this Easter season, we cried the Divine Mercy novena and celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday. And in the interesting times “were living in”, Jesus wants to speak to us through the sends He contributed St. Faustina.

During the pandemic, numerous fears and anxieties have pervaded our heads about tomorrow. The theme of Jesus speaks to us during this time of crisis. And how timely that Susan Tassone authored a fondnes for its first year titled Jesus Speaks to Faustina and You.

Let’s listen to Jesus now. Author Susan Tassone excuses.

An Interview with Susan Tassone

Fr. Edward: Why did you write this journal?

Susan Tassone: Think about what’s going on in the world today. Fear, anxiety, loss of loved ones, unprecedented unemployment since the time of the Great Depression.

When I began speaking St. Faustina’s Diary, I was dazed to learn that Jesus wasn’t exactly speaking to her. He was speaking to each one of us. It was a treasure for me and I wanted to share it. The more I entered into the Diary, the more I realized that Jesus was generating us a blueprint for life. He tells us exactly what we must do to live a life worthy of heaven. Jesus has very clear guidances on how to deal with the fear and anxiety which is so prevalent today.

During the time of writing of the coronavirus pandemic, I study many of us fully reflect about who it is very important to forgive and how we also need forgiveness. This is often called mercy–God’s mercy for us and God’s mercy for others. How does St. Faustina define mercy?

The Divine Mercy message is the same as it was in St. Faustina’s time. It applies to us now more than ever. Jesus wants us to remind us of His mercy and cherish. He told Faustina these are His greatest aspects and to contemplate these attributes. He doesn’t derive pleasure form the death of the wicked to turn from his evil way that he may live. Translated for us: be merciful to yourself and others. Exercise mercy. Forgive yourself and others. Share disagreements without becoming horrid. Turn to Divine Mercy for advice and comfort. Now is a prime example of benevolence from my record 😛 TAGEND

“When Napoleon sentenced a lover to death, the man’s mother pleaded for her son’s life. Napoleon insisted that the crime’s gravity necessitated her son’s life in justice. Sobbing, she cried, “Sir, I don’t aim justice, but mercy.” He said, “He’s undeserving of mercy.” She quarrelled, “Sir, if he deserved it, it would not be mercy.” With that, Napoleon’s heart opened, “I will have mercy.” You wishing God’s mercy? Then show mercy. Whenever we can be merciful to someone, we ought to show that person the same mercy we hope from God at life’s last moment. A Christian wife, lying on her deathbed was asked, “Are you going to receive your remuneration? ” With weepings filling her looks, she faintly sighed with unadulterated love, “No. I was just going to plead for mercy.”

We know so many parties are dying right now from the coronavirus. How does the Divine Mercy word address prayer for the dying?

Throughout the Diary, Jesus frequently seeks us to say the Chaplet for the dying. “Whoever will recite it are able to obtain huge boon at the hour of extinction. Clergymen will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. I want that the whole world know My infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable kindness to those beings who confidence in My mercy.”( Diary, 687)

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is powerful because it so succinctly and beautifully conveys God’s desire for the human family: that we locate all of our trust in Him, and avail ourselves of His mercy which will loose unimaginable graces. Even if it is performed only one time! Nevertheless, it is of great benefit to oblige the Chaplet a regular part of your daily life. Pray it unceasingly.

During the time of coronavirus, loyal Catholics have had to forego receiving Holy Communion and instead make a Spiritual Communion. If we can’t receive Holy communion, is there another means by which we could receive Eucharistic grace?

Jesus told St. Faustina 😛 TAGEND

“Go to the Superior and invite her to allow you to make a daily hour of admiration for nine days.”( Diary, 32)

What do St. John Paul II, St. Mother Teresa, and St. Faustina have in common? Adoration! They relied on it. They depicted strong, consolation, and patronize from it. Adoration is part of the spiritual living for every saint because it alters living and alters all countries of the world. St. Faustina shared her joys with Him. She asked for healing. She sobbed in front of Jesus. She thanked Him, desired Him, and remained in Him.

She came to know herself and God. It was Adoration that called her forth got to go and help others. It was Adoration that empowered her to share Jesus’ compassion to everyone she encountered. She became the one she befriended. In a special way she offered her exaltation for her parents and her whole family.

What if you are unable to go to an Adoration chapel? Many times Faustina was too frail and sick to leave her room. On those motives, she would spiritually “take flight.” You can make spiritual exaltation at any time. From your sofa or wheelchair. In your car. At work. On a walk. Even waiting in line! From your own heart. “I adore You.” Just as long as you turn your heart and mind toward the Lord. Pray and constitutes relinquishes for the conversion of sinners and your family.

Many people right now feel prevented and defeated because of the coronavirus. What does Jesus have to say to them?

Yes! These are ages we are on pins and needles and many are feeling very deterred. Jesus told Faustina this about discouragement 😛 TAGEND

“When boredom and discouragement flog against your centre, moved away from yourself and secrete in My Heart.”( Diary, 1760)

Idle souls are easy prey for wizards. Fighting with boredom, we are guided into discouragement. Discouragement is the devil’s tool for unleashing chao, as an aged myth records 😛 TAGEND

“Once upon a duration, the ogre had a garage sale. Selling his tools, he distinguished each with a high price: hatred, envy, lust, hypocrisy, lying, and pride. Set apart from these was a preferably harmless-looking but well-worn tool differentiated much higher than the remainder. It was tagged:’ Not for Sale.’

A shopper queried,’ What is that tool? Why isn’t it for sale? ’

‘Well, ’ Satan murmured, ” I can’t afford to sell it! That’s my prime implement — deterrent. I can pry open a soul with it, and formerly I’m there, I can do anything I want.’ ”

While discouragement can paralyze us, we can overcome it with confidence in God. When we rehearse charity, we get out of our deplorable little egoes and enroll the enormous Heart of God. Sacrificial love like this , no matter how small-minded, expels the enemy.

Faustina said: Whatever Jesus did, He did well. He ran along, doing good. His manner was full of goodness and compassion. His steps were guided by compassion. Toward His antagonists He established goodness, kindness, and realise, and to those in need help and consolation.( Diary, 1175 ).

During the coronavirus we all are staying home and quarantined to stop the spread and flatten the curve. Does Jesus have advice for us about our dwelling life?

Family planneds are jam-packed. Oftentimes, categories don’t even find time to have dinner together, because of school pleasures, plays, and other things. Once, when St. Faustina was given permission by her Superior to take some time out for desire, Jesus told her to “stay home” instead. It’s not that we can’t enjoy desires or be involved in tasks, but sometimes it’s good to stay home more.

The Irish priest, Venerable Father Patrick Peyton, formerly observed, “The family that cries together abides together.” As he fostered families to pray the daily Rosary, we’re reminded petition attachments the family together. Scripture says a threefold cord is not readily burst. It’s paramount for spouses to pray together with their children, because it creates a spiritual attachment in their union and family. Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI observed: “The family is the’ little Church’ because it moves God, it moves the charity of Christ, by the power of the sacrament of matrimony.” Make the “little church” of your home — a place of love and prayer.

Fr. Edward’s Concluding Thoughts

Jesus has a message for us today. It’s a theme that repetition His words from the gospels. During this time of pandemic and panic, familiarize yourself with the words of Jesus that He speaks to us today. Acquaint yourself with St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy word. It will change your life and how you cry. Open your eyes and ears and listen to Jesus’ oaths as He speaks to you through St. Faustina.