CMO 076: Can't Win For Losing

It appears that no matter how hard you try, you cannot succeed for failing. When you speak the truth, you face censure, vilification, exclusion, and even obliteration. You are convinced that your actions are just, until the dissenting voices remind you otherwise. Your metaphorical expressions are subjected to trial, judgment, and sentencing. Ironically, it is permissible for others to express their beliefs and act upon what they deem right, but they are quick to assert your error and the impropriety of your actions.

Please do not misinterpret my words. I am not devoid of flaws; I am human, after all. I do not claim infallibility nor believe I am perpetually correct. Yet, I bring life experience to the table. With a master’s degree in education, I have navigated through a myriad of poor choices, misguided relationships, and regrettable actions. Despite this, my capacity for love and my commitment to the greater good have always remained steadfast. Why does this seem to hold no value? The key word here is “seem.”

This is the moment when I push myself away from my desk, slide my wallet into my back pocket, grab my phone, and set out to do two things: first, have breakfast alone, and second, stop by my favorite department store to buy a new tie, bowtie, or underwear. However, I won’t do any of that.

As we continue to observe Holy Week, it is important to keep my focus on the anticipation of the Lord’s Resurrection tomorrow. I must refrain from making hasty judgments and strive to comprehend the message being conveyed. This will help me improve myself, rather than react with anger due to injured pride. Patience and understanding are key.

Enough about me; I needn't be the focus here. I am not exceptional. There are many people in the world facing far greater hardships, and it is them whom I should be thinking of and praying for during this holy season, not myself.

--

This news is thrilling!

On Sunday, August 27, 2025, at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis will canonize Carlo Acutis (1991-2006), who passed away from leukemia, as the first saint of the millennial generation.

Acutis, revered as "the Lord's influencer," is celebrated for his exceptional devotion to the Holy Eucharist. His intercessory prayers in Heaven are anticipated to profoundly impact millennials, guiding those who have drifted from faith, remain uncertain, or are on the fence, back to God, His Church, and the Holy Eucharist.

I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the blessings that will flow from this young saint's intercession. I plan to learn more about him and seek his prayers for my own children.

What a remarkable blessing he will be to the Church.

--

Today is day two (2) of the Divine Mercy Novena which began on Good Friday. I asked Microsoft's Co-Pilot to explain the importance of the Divine Mercy Novena.

The Divine Mercy Novena: A Journey of Faith and Trust

The Divine Mercy Novena is a powerful and important devotion within the Catholic Church, centered on the theme of God's infinite mercy. It was revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, through visions and messages from Jesus Christ. The novena consists of a series of prayers recited over nine consecutive days, leading up to the Feast of Divine Mercy, which is celebrated on the Sunday following Easter.

Significance of the Divine Mercy Novena

The Divine Mercy Novena is a spiritual practice that encourages believers to seek and trust in God's mercy. It serves as a reminder of the compassionate love that God offers to every soul, regardless of their sins or shortcomings. The novena is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal, helping individuals to draw closer to God and experience His grace.

Structure of the Novena

The Divine Mercy Novena is structured around specific intentions for each of the nine days, as dictated by Jesus to Saint Faustina. These intentions encompass a wide range of groups within and outside the Church, highlighting the universality of God's mercy. Each day of the novena includes:

·         Opening Prayer: A prayer that sets the tone for the day's intention.

·         Daily Intention: Specific groups or souls to pray for, such as priests and religious, sinners, and souls in Purgatory.

·     Chaplet of Divine Mercy: A series of prayers using rosary beads, including the "Eternal Father" prayer, "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion," and concluding with "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Main Prayers of the Divine Mercy Chaplet

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is central to the novena and is recited daily. The main prayers of the chaplet include:

·         Opening Prayers:

·         Make the Sign of the Cross

·      Optional: "You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us."

·         Repeat three times: "O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!"

Prayers on Rosary Beads:

On the Our Father beads: "Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world."

On the Hail Mary beads: "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Concluding Prayer: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world" (repeat three times).

The Feast of Divine Mercy

The novena culminates in the Feast of Divine Mercy, a celebration instituted by Saint John Paul II in the year 2000. This feast, held on the Sunday after Easter, emphasizes the boundless mercy of God and encourages believers to place their trust in His forgiveness and love. It is a day of grace, where the faithful are invited to partake in the sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist, to receive the promise of complete remission of sins and punishment.

The Divine Mercy Novena is a profound journey that invites Catholics to deepen their faith, embrace God's mercy, and extend that mercy to others. It is a testament to the transformative power of prayer and devotion, offering hope and renewal to all who seek the compassionate heart of God.

Sources:

1. Faustina Kowalska, "Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul," Marian Press.

2. John Paul II, Homily for the Canonization of Saint Faustina, April 30, 2000.

3. Catholic Church, "Catechism of the Catholic Church," Vatican Press.

4. "The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion," Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.