The Fullness of Mercy
My daughter, if through you I ask all people to venerate My mercy, then you must be the first to be noted for trusting in My mercy. Out of love for Me, perform works of mercy, and at every time and place show kindness to your neighbor, without shrinking back, without seeking excuses, without absolving yourself.
I give you three ways of showing mercy to your neighbor: first, by deed, second, by word, and third, by prayer. These three degrees contain the fullness of mercy, and they are indisputable proof of love for Me. In this way souls glorify and honor My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be works of charity. I ask you to worship My mercy by solemnly celebrating the Feast and by venerating the image that has been painted . Through this image, I desire to pour out graces, for the image is a reminder, that My mercy makes demands, for without deeds, even the strongest faith is useless.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 742》
Help me in this, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, never judging from appearances, but always seeking out what is good in my neighbor’s soul and helping them.
Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, ever attentive to my neighbor’s needs, and never indifferent to others’ groans and pains.
Help me, O Lord, that my speech may be merciful, that I may never speak ill of my neighbor, but may offer to all words of comfort and forgiveness.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and full of good works, ready to help my neighbor and willingly undertake difficult and toilsome tasks.
Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, hastening to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own weariness; for in serving others I find true rest.
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful, sensitive to the sufferings of my neighbor; may I never refuse anyone a place in my heart, even those whom I know will misuse my kindness.
I will enclose myself in the Most Merciful Heart of Jesus, silently bearing my sufferings. O Lord, may Your mercy rest upon me.
The Three Degrees of Mercy
You Yourself command me to train myself in these three degrees of mercy. First: any kind of good deed. Second: words of mercy—if I cannot carry out a good deed, I can show mercy by my words. Third: prayer—if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer; even where I cannot be present in body, prayer can reach.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 163》
The Lord let me know His will; it may be said to have three aspects, yet the three are one.
First, the souls detached from the world will be consumed as a sacrifice before God’s throne, begging mercy for all… Through their supplication they will obtain blessings for priests, and by prayer they will prepare the world for Jesus’ final coming.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1155》
Second, prayer joined to deeds of mercy. In a special way, they will protect the souls of children against evil spirits. God asks these souls only for prayer and works of mercy. Even the poorest can take part in this; in a selfish world they are to awaken love—the mercy of Jesus.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1156》
Third, prayer and works of mercy—without vows. By doing this, such persons share fully in the merits and graces; everyone in the world can belong to this group.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1157》
The Three Ways of Performing Mercy
Members of this group should perform at least one act of mercy daily—at least one, though they may perform many—because such good works are easy for everyone, even the very poor. There are three ways of performing mercy: first, words of mercy—by forgiveness and consolation; second, if you cannot speak, then pray—this too is mercy; third, deeds of mercy. At the end of time, God will judge us according to these, and the eternal verdict we receive will rest on them.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1158》
God has opened wide the gates of His mercy to us. Let us make good use of them before the day of God’s judgment comes—that will be a terrible day!《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1159》
Once I asked the Lord Jesus how He could bear so many sins and evils without punishing them. The Lord answered: I have eternity with which to punish these; for the sake of sinners I am prolonging the time of mercy. But if they do not recognize this time of My visitation, they will be lost. My daughter, secretary of My mercy, your task is not only to write and proclaim My mercy, but also to implore for them this grace, that they too may glorify My mercy.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1160》
Practicing Mercy in Spirit
Pure souls can make reparation through sacrifice, practicing mercy in spirit.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1316》
Lord, I understand Your words; my soul should reflect the breadth of mercy. Jesus said: My daughter, I know you understand My words and that you have done your best to carry out everything. But write this down, because many souls lack the means for works of mercy and therefore feel uneasy. Spiritual mercy, however, requires neither permissions nor storehouses, and it is of greater merit; anyone can practice it. If a soul does not practice mercy at all, it will not obtain My mercy on the day of judgment. I truly wish souls would learn to store up eternal treasures for themselves; they will not be judged, for the mercy they have shown will shield them from judgment.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1317》
Story 1.
Today Jesus came to the gate disguised as a poor young man—thin and exhausted, barefoot, bareheaded, with tattered clothes, chilled by cold and rain. He asked for some hot food. I went to the kitchen but could not find anything for this poor man. After searching a while, I found some soup. I reheated it, added a few breadcrumbs, and took it to him. When he finished and I took back the bowl, he made me know that He was the Lord of heaven and earth. As soon as I recognized Him, He vanished from my sight. Returning inside, I reflected on what had just happened at the gate, and I heard these words within my soul: My daughter, the praises the poor man gave Me as he left the gate—I heard them with My own ears. The mercy you showed under obedience delighted Me; for this I have come down from My throne to taste the fruit of your mercy.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1311》
Lord Jesus, now everything is clear; I understand what happened. I had wondered why that poor man was so courteous. From that moment my heart felt a purer love for the poor. I was happy that the Superior assigned me such duties! I understand that mercy has many expressions and that we can do good at all times and in every place. Whoever loves God will always find opportunities to share His love with others by word, deed, and prayer. Lord, now I understand what You said to me not long ago.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1312》
November 5. This morning five unemployed men came to the gate, insisting on entering. A certain sister argued with them for a long time but could not send them away. She went to the little chapel to find the Superior, who sent me to the gate. Before I even reached it, I heard the loud pounding. At first I felt very unsure and afraid, not knowing whether to open or to speak to them through the small window as the other sister had done. Then suddenly I heard within: Go and open the gate and speak to them gently, as you would speak to Me. I opened at once, approached the most aggressive of them, and began to speak calmly and kindly. They were taken aback; their tone softened, and they said, “Well then, there is no work here for us—what a pity.” Then they left peacefully. I had received Holy Communion an hour earlier, and I clearly sensed that it was Jesus working in their hearts through me. How beautiful it is to follow God’s inspirations! 《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1377》
Whatever Jesus did, He did perfectly. Everywhere He went He did good; His bearing was full of goodness and mercy. Compassion guided His steps. Toward His enemies He showed goodness, kindness, and understanding; toward the needy He gave help and consolation. I have resolved during this month to imprint these traits of Jesus faithfully upon myself, whatever the cost.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1175》
During Adoration I heard a voice within: My daughter, your efforts give Me joy; they are the delight of My Heart. I know every one of your thoughts as you adore Me.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1176》
As You Did It to Me
Story 1.
Suddenly I heard a bell ring in the next room. I went in to help a seriously ill person. When I returned, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus, who said: My daughter, the help you gave Me just now pleased Me more than a long prayer. I replied, “But Lord Jesus, I was not serving You; I was serving that sick person.” The Lord answered: Yes, My daughter, but whatever you do for your neighbor, you do for Me.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1029》
Story 2.
My daughter, in this meditation you should reflect on love of neighbor. Is your love for your neighbor guided by My love? Do you pray for your enemies? For those who sadden or offend you in various ways,
do you bless them? Know that whatever good you do to any soul, I accept as if you had done it to Me.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1768》
Story 3.
In 1934, I returned to my cell very tired and wanted to rest a little before undressing. But after I had taken off my dress, a sister asked me to fetch some hot water. Though weary, I quickly dressed again and went to get it. The way from the cell to the kitchen was long, and the mud reached my ankles. When I came back, I saw a ciborium with the Blessed Sacrament and heard a voice: Take this ciborium to the tabernacle. At first I hesitated, but when I approached to touch it, I heard these words again: Approach every sister with the same love with which you approach Me; whatever you do for them, you do for Me. After a moment I saw that I was alone.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 285》
Story 4.
During Holy Mass I saw Jesus stretched upon the cross. He said to me, My disciple, you must love those who cause you suffering and do good to those who are hostile to you. I answered, “Master, You know well that I do not feel such love, and this troubles me.” Jesus replied: You cannot always control your feelings. If, after being troubled and opposed, you do not lose your peace, but pray for those who cause you suffering and bless them, you will know that you have love.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1628》
Today a laywoman came to visit me—someone who had caused me great sorrow and abused my kindness, telling me many lies. Seeing her, I froze, remembering the pain she had caused. With one word I could have freed myself from this suffering. I was about to speak firmly and tell the truth, when I perceived God’s mercy and decided to treat her as Jesus would. I began to speak gently with her. When she asked to speak to me alone, I skillfully made her aware of the state of her soul. Though she tried to hide it, I saw she was deeply moved. Others entered, ending our sincere conversation. She asked me for a glass of water and for two favors, which I gladly granted. Without God’s grace I could not have acted thus. After she left, I thanked God for sustaining me with grace at that moment.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1694》
Then I heard: I am pleased—you acted like My true daughter. Be always merciful to others as I am merciful. For love of Me, love all people, even your greatest enemies, that your heart may fully reflect My mercy.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1695》
Jesus, for every soul You entrust to me, I strive to help by prayer and sacrifice, that Your grace may work within them. O Lord Jesus, how greatly You desire souls! I thank You for Your confidence in entrusting souls to us. O days of work and years of monotony—you are not monotonous to me, for every moment brings new graces and opportunities to do good.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 245》
My daughter, if through you I ask all people to venerate My mercy, then you must be the first to be noted for trusting in My mercy. Out of love for Me, perform works of mercy, and at every time and place show kindness to your neighbor, without shrinking back, without seeking excuses, without absolving yourself.
I give you three ways of showing mercy to your neighbor: first, by deed, second, by word, and third, by prayer. These three degrees contain the fullness of mercy, and they are indisputable proof of love for Me. In this way souls glorify and honor My mercy. Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be works of charity. I ask you to worship My mercy by solemnly celebrating the Feast and by venerating the image that has been painted . Through this image, I desire to pour out graces, for the image is a reminder, that My mercy makes demands, for without deeds, even the strongest faith is useless.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 742》
Help me in this, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, never judging from appearances, but always seeking out what is good in my neighbor’s soul and helping them.
Help me, O Lord, that my ears may be merciful, ever attentive to my neighbor’s needs, and never indifferent to others’ groans and pains.
Help me, O Lord, that my speech may be merciful, that I may never speak ill of my neighbor, but may offer to all words of comfort and forgiveness.
Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and full of good works, ready to help my neighbor and willingly undertake difficult and toilsome tasks.
Help me, O Lord, that my feet may be merciful, hastening to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own weariness; for in serving others I find true rest.
Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful, sensitive to the sufferings of my neighbor; may I never refuse anyone a place in my heart, even those whom I know will misuse my kindness.
I will enclose myself in the Most Merciful Heart of Jesus, silently bearing my sufferings. O Lord, may Your mercy rest upon me.
The Three Degrees of Mercy
You Yourself command me to train myself in these three degrees of mercy. First: any kind of good deed. Second: words of mercy—if I cannot carry out a good deed, I can show mercy by my words. Third: prayer—if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer; even where I cannot be present in body, prayer can reach.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 163》
The Lord let me know His will; it may be said to have three aspects, yet the three are one.
First, the souls detached from the world will be consumed as a sacrifice before God’s throne, begging mercy for all… Through their supplication they will obtain blessings for priests, and by prayer they will prepare the world for Jesus’ final coming.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1155》
Second, prayer joined to deeds of mercy. In a special way, they will protect the souls of children against evil spirits. God asks these souls only for prayer and works of mercy. Even the poorest can take part in this; in a selfish world they are to awaken love—the mercy of Jesus.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1156》
Third, prayer and works of mercy—without vows. By doing this, such persons share fully in the merits and graces; everyone in the world can belong to this group.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1157》
The Three Ways of Performing Mercy
Members of this group should perform at least one act of mercy daily—at least one, though they may perform many—because such good works are easy for everyone, even the very poor. There are three ways of performing mercy: first, words of mercy—by forgiveness and consolation; second, if you cannot speak, then pray—this too is mercy; third, deeds of mercy. At the end of time, God will judge us according to these, and the eternal verdict we receive will rest on them.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1158》
God has opened wide the gates of His mercy to us. Let us make good use of them before the day of God’s judgment comes—that will be a terrible day!《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1159》
Once I asked the Lord Jesus how He could bear so many sins and evils without punishing them. The Lord answered: I have eternity with which to punish these; for the sake of sinners I am prolonging the time of mercy. But if they do not recognize this time of My visitation, they will be lost. My daughter, secretary of My mercy, your task is not only to write and proclaim My mercy, but also to implore for them this grace, that they too may glorify My mercy.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1160》
Practicing Mercy in Spirit
Pure souls can make reparation through sacrifice, practicing mercy in spirit.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1316》
Lord, I understand Your words; my soul should reflect the breadth of mercy. Jesus said: My daughter, I know you understand My words and that you have done your best to carry out everything. But write this down, because many souls lack the means for works of mercy and therefore feel uneasy. Spiritual mercy, however, requires neither permissions nor storehouses, and it is of greater merit; anyone can practice it. If a soul does not practice mercy at all, it will not obtain My mercy on the day of judgment. I truly wish souls would learn to store up eternal treasures for themselves; they will not be judged, for the mercy they have shown will shield them from judgment.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1317》
Story 1.
Today Jesus came to the gate disguised as a poor young man—thin and exhausted, barefoot, bareheaded, with tattered clothes, chilled by cold and rain. He asked for some hot food. I went to the kitchen but could not find anything for this poor man. After searching a while, I found some soup. I reheated it, added a few breadcrumbs, and took it to him. When he finished and I took back the bowl, he made me know that He was the Lord of heaven and earth. As soon as I recognized Him, He vanished from my sight. Returning inside, I reflected on what had just happened at the gate, and I heard these words within my soul: My daughter, the praises the poor man gave Me as he left the gate—I heard them with My own ears. The mercy you showed under obedience delighted Me; for this I have come down from My throne to taste the fruit of your mercy.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1311》
Lord Jesus, now everything is clear; I understand what happened. I had wondered why that poor man was so courteous. From that moment my heart felt a purer love for the poor. I was happy that the Superior assigned me such duties! I understand that mercy has many expressions and that we can do good at all times and in every place. Whoever loves God will always find opportunities to share His love with others by word, deed, and prayer. Lord, now I understand what You said to me not long ago.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1312》
November 5. This morning five unemployed men came to the gate, insisting on entering. A certain sister argued with them for a long time but could not send them away. She went to the little chapel to find the Superior, who sent me to the gate. Before I even reached it, I heard the loud pounding. At first I felt very unsure and afraid, not knowing whether to open or to speak to them through the small window as the other sister had done. Then suddenly I heard within: Go and open the gate and speak to them gently, as you would speak to Me. I opened at once, approached the most aggressive of them, and began to speak calmly and kindly. They were taken aback; their tone softened, and they said, “Well then, there is no work here for us—what a pity.” Then they left peacefully. I had received Holy Communion an hour earlier, and I clearly sensed that it was Jesus working in their hearts through me. How beautiful it is to follow God’s inspirations! 《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1377》
Whatever Jesus did, He did perfectly. Everywhere He went He did good; His bearing was full of goodness and mercy. Compassion guided His steps. Toward His enemies He showed goodness, kindness, and understanding; toward the needy He gave help and consolation. I have resolved during this month to imprint these traits of Jesus faithfully upon myself, whatever the cost.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1175》
During Adoration I heard a voice within: My daughter, your efforts give Me joy; they are the delight of My Heart. I know every one of your thoughts as you adore Me.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1176》
As You Did It to Me
Story 1.
Suddenly I heard a bell ring in the next room. I went in to help a seriously ill person. When I returned, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus, who said: My daughter, the help you gave Me just now pleased Me more than a long prayer. I replied, “But Lord Jesus, I was not serving You; I was serving that sick person.” The Lord answered: Yes, My daughter, but whatever you do for your neighbor, you do for Me.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1029》
Story 2.
My daughter, in this meditation you should reflect on love of neighbor. Is your love for your neighbor guided by My love? Do you pray for your enemies? For those who sadden or offend you in various ways,
do you bless them? Know that whatever good you do to any soul, I accept as if you had done it to Me.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1768》
Story 3.
In 1934, I returned to my cell very tired and wanted to rest a little before undressing. But after I had taken off my dress, a sister asked me to fetch some hot water. Though weary, I quickly dressed again and went to get it. The way from the cell to the kitchen was long, and the mud reached my ankles. When I came back, I saw a ciborium with the Blessed Sacrament and heard a voice: Take this ciborium to the tabernacle. At first I hesitated, but when I approached to touch it, I heard these words again: Approach every sister with the same love with which you approach Me; whatever you do for them, you do for Me. After a moment I saw that I was alone.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 285》
Story 4.
During Holy Mass I saw Jesus stretched upon the cross. He said to me, My disciple, you must love those who cause you suffering and do good to those who are hostile to you. I answered, “Master, You know well that I do not feel such love, and this troubles me.” Jesus replied: You cannot always control your feelings. If, after being troubled and opposed, you do not lose your peace, but pray for those who cause you suffering and bless them, you will know that you have love.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1628》
Today a laywoman came to visit me—someone who had caused me great sorrow and abused my kindness, telling me many lies. Seeing her, I froze, remembering the pain she had caused. With one word I could have freed myself from this suffering. I was about to speak firmly and tell the truth, when I perceived God’s mercy and decided to treat her as Jesus would. I began to speak gently with her. When she asked to speak to me alone, I skillfully made her aware of the state of her soul. Though she tried to hide it, I saw she was deeply moved. Others entered, ending our sincere conversation. She asked me for a glass of water and for two favors, which I gladly granted. Without God’s grace I could not have acted thus. After she left, I thanked God for sustaining me with grace at that moment.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1694》
Then I heard: I am pleased—you acted like My true daughter. Be always merciful to others as I am merciful. For love of Me, love all people, even your greatest enemies, that your heart may fully reflect My mercy.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 1695》
Jesus, for every soul You entrust to me, I strive to help by prayer and sacrifice, that Your grace may work within them. O Lord Jesus, how greatly You desire souls! I thank You for Your confidence in entrusting souls to us. O days of work and years of monotony—you are not monotonous to me, for every moment brings new graces and opportunities to do good.《The Diary of Saint Faustina 245》