# Novena to divine mercy: day four
*2019-10-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the power of the Divine Mercy, a personal encounter with the Blessed Mother, and the importance of bringing the Gospel to those who do not believe.

## A Request from Mary

I recently attended a screening of a movie about St. Faustina and the story of Divine Mercy. While watching the testimonies following the film, I had a very peculiar experience. I felt my chair shaking, and then I smelled a distinct scent of roses. As many Catholics know, the smell of roses is often associated with the Blessed Mother. When I asked the people sitting around me if they smelled it, none of them did. 

I believe this was a sign from Mary. During the event, some women mentioned the need for spiritual content in Spanish. I realized that this was Mary's request: that we expand the reach of this podcast to include Spanish speakers. While I only speak English, I am actively looking for people who can help translate and record the podcast in Spanish and other languages so that more people can access these prayers.

## The Mission of St. Paul and the Call to Courage

In today's reading from 'One Bread, One Body,' we look at Romans 8:31: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' St. Paul experienced firsthand the trials, persecution, and danger mentioned in the scriptures, yet he knew nothing could separate him from the love of God. This certainty gave him the courage to be 'more than a conqueror.'

Like St. Paul, we each have a mission from God. We should not let threats or fear deter us from serving the Lord. Even when we feel imperfect—and we are all imperfect, as only the Holy Trinity and the Blessed Mother are perfect—it is better to move forward in faith and serve imperfectly than to do nothing at all.

## Mercy for a Secular World

Today is Day Four of the Novena to Divine Mercy, where we pray specifically for those who do not believe in God or do not know Him. We live in an increasingly secular society where many have lost their way, and we see the tragic results in our culture and politics. 

I think especially of the sanctity of life. It is a scientific and spiritual fact that life begins at conception; a baby in the womb is a human being, not a body part. I remember talking to my son before he was born, and the moment he was born, he stopped crying because he recognized my voice. We must pray for mothers who are considering abortion and for those who have had abortions and carry that burden for decades. I encourage families to seek a priest for last rites or spiritual counsel for loved ones struggling with these regrets, regardless of whether they are practicing Catholics, because God's mercy is available to all.

## Prayer and the Luminous Mysteries

We conclude today with the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. We meditate on the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. Through these mysteries, we seek openness to the Holy Spirit, a deeper trust in God, and a desire for holiness. We entrust our intentions to the Blessed Mother, asking her to intercede for us and for the souls most in need of God's mercy.

*Let us pray for those who do not yet know God, trusting that the ocean of His mercy is wide enough to welcome everyone.*