FLAGELLATIONS AS PATHS TO RENEWAL

Divine Appeal Reflection - 145

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 145: "My Eternal Father’s anger is cast down on this world. These are terrible days. Do not be afraid of seeing many flagellations. With My tears of blood I want to cover this corrupt world."

Flagellations signify trials, suffering, and divine chastisements that God permits for the purification of the world and the salvation of souls. While these moments of suffering may seem harsh, they reflect a deep expression of God’s fatherly love, aimed at drawing humanity back to Him. As Scripture reminds us, the justice of God is revealed against sin (Romans 1:18), yet His ultimate desire is repentance and renewal (Hebrews 12:6–7). God has used chastisements throughout the history of salvation to make people realize how much they depend on Him. The plagues in Egypt, the exile of the Israelites, and the flood during Noah's time were all opportunities for conversion in addition to being the results of sin. Each of these events called people to abandon their ways and return to trust in God’s providence.

Today, the flagellations we witness—natural disasters, societal decay, or personal suffering—are no different. They are permitted by God to purify hearts, awaken consciences, and redirect humanity’s focus toward eternity. These trials are not signs of divine abandonment but of God’s enduring patience and His desire for the salvation of all souls (2 Peter 3:9). 

In the midst of these flagellations, our Adorable Jesus speaks words of comfort and assurance: “Do not be afraid.” These words, repeated often in the Gospels (Matthew 14:27; John 14:27), remind us that no trial is beyond God’s power to transform for our good. Even when the world seems engulfed in chaos, our Adorable Jesus reassures us of His presence as our refuge and strength.

Even though they are challenging, trials are only temporary and have a bigger purpose in God's plan. They challenge and fortify our faith, deepening our trust and honing our love for Him (1 Peter 1:6–7). We are constantly reminded that we are never alone in our problems by the presence of our Adorable Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. His tears of blood, mentioned in this Divine Appeal, reveal His profound compassion for humanity and His longing to shield us from despair.

Even when we are surrounded by suffering, we can find hope in the steadfastness of His love. His mercy endures forever, and His promises remain unshaken, giving us the courage to face any trial with trust in His divine providence. Let us embrace these moments as opportunities for deeper conversion and unite our trials to the redemptive suffering of our Adorable Jesus, trusting always in His infinite mercy and love.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, in these times of trials and flagellations, grant us strength, purity of heart, and unwavering trust in Your infinite mercy. Help us unite our sufferings with Yours for the salvation of souls. May Your love guide us through every trial, renewing our hearts in faith and hope. 

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.