# Discovering Divine Mercy in the Little Way
*2018-03-15*

> Bill reflects on St. Teresa of the Little Flower’s discovery of divine mercy, connects it to the reality of God’s wrath and love, and shares personal stories and a prayer for mercy.

## Opening Thoughts and a New Book

I’m glad to welcome you to today’s episode. We’re in the fourth Thursday of Lent, reading John 5:31‑47, and continuing our 33‑day series “Merciful Love.” This week I’ve been reading a new book, *No Man Left Behind – Catholic Edition*, which came from the recent men’s conference in Miami. The statistics it presents are sobering: about 80 % of young adults raised Catholic have left the Church. That hits close to home because my son Greg, now 24, is in that group. Please keep him in your prayers.

## Family Background and the Need for Mercy

My own upbringing was far from stable. My mother was a single parent who struggled with illness and poverty, and I didn’t see my father until I was in my twenties. The book stresses how vital healthy parental relationships are for forming good husbands and fathers—something I never had as a model. I thank God that Greg was baptized, confirmed (by Bishop Thomas Wenski), and is now a successful entrepreneur, even though his girlfriend comes from an atheist family. Still, I pray that God’s mercy reaches both of them.

## St. Louise de Marillac and the Spirit of Service

Today is the feast of St. Louise de Marillac, co‑founder of the Daughters of Charity with St. Vincent de Paul. Her life reminds us that the work of mercy begins in our own neighborhoods. I ask you to pray for those who serve the poor, for my late aunt, and for all who strive to bring Christ’s love to the marginalized.

## God’s Wrath and Divine Mercy

The pamphlet *Draw Near to God* explains that God’s wrath is not a capricious anger but the natural outflow of His love for creation. When sin corrupts the world, God opposes it because He loves the glorious creation He made. The question it poses is: “How might I help God put things right in myself and my life today?” The answer lies in embracing divine mercy, which is God’s compassionate response to our brokenness.

Divine mercy, as St. Teresa discovered, is a “little way” that lifts the lowly. It mirrors the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30‑35): the priest and Levite pass by, but the Samaritan stops, tends the wounded man, and pays for his care. Mercy involves both heart (compassion) and arms (action).

## St. Teresa’s Little Way

St. Teresa of the Little Flower grew up in a strict, joyless environment, yet she found a fresh air of mercy in the Gospel. She taught that the good news is not that we are good enough, but that God is so good that He loves us despite our sins. She wrote, “I have only to cast my eyes upon the Gospel, and immediately I breathe the perfume of Jesus’ life.” Her “little way” is a humble confidence that, no matter how small we feel, God’s mercy lifts us to holiness.

She urges us, “Do not fear how poor you are; Jesus loves you even more.” The greater the sinner, the greater the mercy He offers.

## Prayer for Mercy

Let us pray together:

Come, Holy Spirit, fire of mercy, unveil for me the heart of the Gospel, the tenderness of Christ’s love for sinners. Amen.

And a short prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead our souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy.”

May God bless you all, especially those who feel far from Him.

*God’s wrath is the shadow of His love; by embracing the little way of mercy, we cooperate with Him to heal our own hearts and the world.*