Divinely and Eternally Loved
During Adoration this morning, the words of a song kept popping into my mind — “divinely and eternally loved” — the final words of one of the songs on my daughter Erin’s CD “Through the Darkness.” I can never listen to this song without tears, partly because of the beauty and emotion in Erin’s voice and partly because of the... Read More
Photo Prayer
Several years ago I happened upon a method of praying that has become a daily practice. It began with the Divine Mercy image, the now well-known picture of Christ with red and pale rays streaming from His Heart. I had become accustomed to praying before the large image of the Divine Mercy that hung in my office, imagining myself in the midst... Read More
He “fathers-forth”
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator …” (Apostles Creed) Ever notice that in this prayer God is referred to first of all as “Father” and only then as “creator”? There’s a whole teaching here. Pope John Paul II, in Rich in Mercy, explains that God is not just the creator, but “He is also Father,” and He is linked... Read More
Hands Empty
Whenever I feel anxious about something, or start something new, or catch myself writing scripts for God, I hold my hands out in front of me (at least mentally) and let this phrase run thru my mind over and over: “hands empty and cupped to receive” (Iain Matthew, The Impact of God). It’s really just another way of saying... Read More
Become What You Behold
Remember the Gospel story of the Transfiguration — that great event when Christ’s glory was revealed to three of His disciples as He was transformed in front of their eyes on Mt. Tabor? I’ve often wondered who was really transformed that day. The Fathers of the Church teach that Jesus was not changed but was transfigured in their sight.... Read More
From Fiat to Amen
Two of the things for which Catholics are most known are devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and devotion to Mary. And in the last few years of his Pontificate, Pope John Paul II made it clear that the two devotions are inseparable. In the midst of the Year of the Rosary (2002-2003), he issued an encyclical letter on the Eucharist: Ecclesia... Read More
The Ultimate Place of Mercy
Purgatory should be viewed not as a form of punishment, but as the ultimate act of God’s mercy, purifying us so that we can enter his presence forever. Here’s what Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) wrote about it. in “God is Near Us”: “Ultimately, the place of purification is Christ himself. When we encounter him without disguise,... Read More
Have any Favorite Eucharistic Prayers?
We will soon be publishing a Eucharistic Prayerbook, and we’d love to consider including your favorites. We are looking for prayers appropriate for times of Adoration, Preparation for Communion, and Thanksgiving after Communion. Please include source and copyright info if possible. Send to vinny@mercysong.com or post on the 7 Secrets of... Read More
St. Faustina’s Meditations on the Passion
Many people have asked about the powerful meditations that are used on our CD “The Rosary & The Chaplet of Divine Mercy,” so I am posting them here. Opening Prayer O my Jesus, … I unite my desires to the desires that You had on the cross (1581). I call upon You and … beg Your mercy for poor sinners. … O Most Sacred... Read More
The Price of Ignoring God
Today’s Mass readings tell such a story! The tragic story of a people who strayed from God. “Abandoning the Lord, the God of their fathers, … they followed the other gods of the various nations around them. … They were quick to stray from the way their fathers had taken, and did not follow their example of obedience... Read More
