# Our Restless Hearts – Reflections and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
*2020-03-30*

> Bill Young reflects on the longing of the human heart for communion with God and leads listeners through the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, drawing on Father Henry Newman’s Lenten reflections.

## A Sign from the Social Media “God” Account

I was watching a rerun of a sitcom on CBS All Access when a scene about a Facebook “God” account caught my attention. Years ago I had been seeing a triangle repeatedly in my life—a sign I took to represent the Trinity. I posted the image online, and, to my surprise, the account named “God Almighty” liked it. It reminded me that God can use even modern tools like social media to reach us, just as He has used the media of prayer for centuries.

## Restless Hearts and the Desire for Communion

The episode’s theme, “Our Restless Hearts,” comes from Psalm 10:7: “May God grant you the desire of your heart and fulfill all your plans.” In the midst of the pandemic, we are reminded that God’s ultimate plan is not merely the alleviation of worldly troubles but the drawing of every heart into deeper communion with Him. Father Henry J. M. Newman, in his Lenten reflections, writes that the human heart remains restless until it finds full communion with God—whether in friendship, marriage, community, or the sacramental life. Jesus promises that this longing will be satisfied in Him, the source of true rest.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We began the Chaplet with the sign of the Cross and the opening prayer:

“Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

We then prayed the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed, followed by the repeated invocation of Divine Mercy:

“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

The chaplet concluded with the threefold prayer:

“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

A closing prayer asked God to increase His mercy in us so that we may face difficulties without despair.

## Children, Humility, and Divine Mercy

In today’s reflection we prayed for “the meek and humble souls, especially the little children.” Children, untouched by the virus, remind us of God’s special love for the innocent. We asked that God’s mercy pour upon them and upon all parents who care for them. The prayer highlighted that humble souls are like earthly angels, bearing the fragrance of heaven and finding a permanent place in the compassionate heart of Jesus.

## The Litany of Divine Mercy

We recited the Litany of Divine Mercy, affirming that Divine Mercy is the source of all blessings: the fountain of life, the source of miracles, the shield against hell, and the hope for sinners. Each line ended with the refrain, “I trust in you, O Divine Mercy.” The litany reinforced that God’s mercy is ever‑present, especially at the hour of death.

*Our restless hearts find true peace only in the merciful communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.*