Homily for the Feast of Divine Mercy:  Love Matters More Than the Mistake

Praise be to Jesus Christ 

There was once a man who had a big dream; to own his own car. He worked hard for many years, saved every bit he could, and finally bought it. It was not just a vehicle for him but it was his pride and joy. Every weekend, he would wash and polish it with much care and love. He parked it carefully, checked it constantly, and treated it like treasure.

One day, his wife had to take the car out alone. She was a bit nervous. While returning home, she misjudged a turn and hit a pole. The front of the car was smashed. She was not injured, but inside, she was terrified. Her hands were trembling. All she could think of was, “What will my husband say? Will he shout? Will he be angry? Will he stop trusting me?” When the police arrived and asked for the car papers, she opened the glovebox and on top of the documents, there was a folded note in her husband’s handwriting. It read:

“My dearest, 
I love this car very much. 
But if anything happens to it, please remember: 
I love you more than this car. 
We can fix or buy another car. But I can never replace you. 
Take it easy. You are worth more than anything I own.”

Tears filled her eyes. She was not crying because of fear anymore but  she was crying because of love. That one note said it all: “You matter more than the mistake.” Yes, dear friends, that is what Divine Mercy is. Many of us walk around thinking God is just waiting to punish us for the sins and shortcomings of our lives. We think He’s disappointed and angry with us. But when we finally dare to open the glovebox of our soul, what do we find? Not a list of complaints. But, we find a whisper that says: “I love you more than your mistakes. Come back. We can fix what’s broken. I still want you.”

That is the heart of God and that is Divine Mercy.

Jesus revealed this to a simple Polish nun named Saint Faustina. In her diary, she wrote what Jesus told her: “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.” It sounds strange, but that is grace, not a reward for the perfect, but a lifeline for the broken. Saint John Paul II, who gave us this feast, said: “Mercy is the second name of God.” And real love does not wait for people to get everything right. Real love meets us in our mess and Divine Mercy does exactly that.

Let me share another short moment. Someone once told me about a woman who had not been to confession in 21 years. She carried a burden from her youth and thought she was out of God’s favour. She said, “If God sees my heart, He will be disappointed.” And my friend told her gently, “That’s where you’re wrong. That’s exactly where He wants to look.” She finally made her confession. When she came out, she said with tears, “I thought I would feel judged. Instead… I feel like a daughter again.”

 Yes, that’s Divine Mercy. And that’s why, on Easter night, Jesus appeared to the apostles and gave them the power to forgive sins. He knew we would need a place to come back. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not a courtroom but it is a hospital for the soul. And now, my dear brothers and sisters let us bring this message into real life. If God is so merciful with us, let’s carry that mercy into our relationships.

Primarily those who are leading a marital life, show mercy in your marriage, that is, try to forgive quickly and forget the old wounds. Do not keep a list of faults but speak gently, even when your partner hurts. Always remember: ‘a merciful marriage is a happy marriage.’

Again be merciful to your children. They are growing, learning, and of course they make mistakes. Do not only just scold them but guide them with love, care and compassion. Let them know that they are more valuable than any report card or behaviour chart.

Practice to be kind and compassionate to your parents and elders, be patient and one day, you will be in their shoes.  Learn to respect and listen to them. Look at others through their own eyes, whether it is your neighbour, teacher, priest or leaders. They may fall short sometimes. However, do not be too quick to criticize. A kind word, a prayer, a little support makes a big difference in our lives and in the lives of others.

Finally, it is good to show mercy to oneself. If God is not ashamed of you, why should you be? If He forgives you, then stop punishing yourself. Mercy begins with you.

So today, let us not just admire Divine Mercy but let us try living it in our day today lives. As we celebrate this Divine mercy Sunday, make a choice: to forgive, to be kind, to hold back harsh words, to let love speak louder than anger, etc.. And if you have been away from confession, if your prayer life is dry, or your heart is heavy do not wait. Look at the image of Divine Mercy and say from your heart: “Jesus, I trust in You.” These five words are stronger than any sin.

And I leave you with the words of Saint Therese of Lisieux: “Even if I had committed every sin possible, I would still throw myself into the arms of Jesus, for I know how much He loves me.” Like her today let’s run back into His arms.

Let us pray

Jesus, when I run away in shame, 
Find me with Your mercy. 
When I hide in fear, 
Call me by my name. 
Let me believe again 
That Your love is bigger than all my mistakes. 
Make me an instrument of Your mercy; 
At home, in my family, in my words, in my silence. 
Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.

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God Bless…