# Turning to God: Mercy, the Cross, and the Humble Heart
*2019-03-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the Lenten readings, the significance of the Transfiguration, and the healing power of God's mercy, followed by a devotion to the souls in purgatory.

## The Cross as a Throne

In reflecting on the Lenten readings, we look at the Transfiguration and the baptismal voice that declares, 'This is my son, my chosen one. Listen to him.' Luke suggests that Jesus' conversation with Moses and Elijah concerned his departure—his Exodus. This emphasizes the divine plan that sent Jesus not to a worldly throne, but to the cross. As N.T. Wright suggests, the cross is to be seen as the throne where Jesus is crowned King of the Jews, fulfilling his vocation as Israel's Messiah through suffering and death.

## Stopping the Cycle of Self-Judgment

There is a powerful reminder for us today: stop judging yourself. Jesus came to open our ears to a voice that says, 'I am your God. I have molded you with my own hands, and I love what I have made.' We are called not to condemn or reject ourselves, but to let God's love touch the deepest, most hidden corners of our hearts. In the light of His mercy, our own beauty—which we may have lost sight of—becomes visible again. We should ask ourselves: How can I show thanks to God today for loving me?

## Hope in Times of Crisis

The book of Daniel provides examples of God's care for the faithful living in hostile environments and depicts God's triumph over evil. It offers us hope in times of crisis by stressing that God will always deliver those who remain faithful to His covenant.

## Devotion to the Divine Mercy

I am excited to begin the '33 Days of Merciful Love' leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 28th. In the spirit of the 3 o'clock hour, we pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the souls in purgatory. We specifically remember the meek and humble souls, and the souls of little children—including those who passed away from cancer or those who were aborted. We trust that these souls, who most closely resemble the heart of Jesus, are now in heaven, acting as earthly angels and singing hymns of love and mercy before the throne of God.

## A Litany of Trust

We conclude with a litany of Divine Mercy, acknowledging that His mercy is the greatest attribute of God and an incomprehensible mystery. From the fountain of the Most Blessed Trinity to the wounds of the heart of Jesus, Divine Mercy accompanies us through our whole life, shielding us from the fires of hell and lifting us up from every misery. It is the only hope for despairing souls and the sweet relief for anguished hearts.

*Do not judge or condemn yourself, but trust in the infinite mercy of God who created you and loves you without limit.*