Jesus revealed to St. Faustina that 3:00 pm is the ‘Hour of Great Mercy’. 3:00 pm is honored as the moment when one of the soldiers pierced the heart of Jesus, causing an outpouring of blood and water. To these Rays of Mercy that flowed from Jesus’ heart, let us remember every day to flock to at 3:00 o’clock. When we ‘honor the hour’, Jesus is happy, and he pours out his mercy upon us.
The Gospel of John tells us that while Jesus was hanging from the cross, a soldier pierced his side with a lance (John 19:34). The apocryphal books reveal that the soldier’s name was Longinus. He had poor eyesight. Drops of blood and water that poured out from the pierced heart of Jesus touched Longinus’ eyes and healed them. In awe and gratitude, he knelt before the cross, realizing there is something extraordinary about Jesus. Longinus went on to become a Christian, a martyr, and a canonized saint. He transformed from a sinner to a saint. Here, at the foot of the cross, Jesus gives us proof of the power of the Blood and Water that poured from his heart. It can give physical healing, it can sanctify souls, and fill hearts with faith and love.
What would you be mostly doing at 3:00 pm? Maybe attending classes in school, or on your way back home from school, or playing with your friends, or watching a movie. Decide today that no matter where you are or what you are doing, you will honor the hour. When the clock strikes three, stay still for a while, and in the depths of your heart visualize that you are standing at the foot of the cross with Mother Mary. The two of you are gazing at the Crucified Jesus. May the Blood and Water that flows from his heart touch you. Tell Jesus, ‘Lord, touch my eyes that I may see, touch my heart that I may love.’ Give him all your deepest desires and ask for his mercy – pray for your family to be blessed, pray that you do well in your studies, pray that you are able to discover and develop your talents, pray for help to grow in virtues and values, pray for your friends, pray for the souls in purgatory, pray for everybody in the whole wide world to be blessed. Let His Rays of Mercy Shine!
‘Lord, touch my eyes that I may see, touch my heart that I may love.’
Can you learn this by heart right now? Close your eyes and repeat it five times. It’s easy – simple and powerful! When you say this prayer, God will bless you with the same experience as St. Longinus. The blood and water that pour from His heart will touch your eyes, giving you new sights and insights. It will touch your heart and transform you from a sinner to a saint. So from today onwards, let us remember to pray this way at 3:00 pm every day! Tell your friends about 3:00 pm. Remind each other when it is 3:00 pm. Let us honor the hour… the ‘Hour of Great Mercy’!
Sr. Mary Joe CSN