ANIMATED WITH THE SENTIMENTS OF JESUS

Divine Appeal Reflection - 195

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 195: "Happy and blessed is the soul animated with My sentiments, remains faithful, and who after a fall comes back to Me. My Mercy accepts all the pains... all these lead a soul to the height of sanctity and to the last triumph.”

Our Adorable Jesus reveals that true happiness and blessedness belong to the soul who is animated with His divine sentiments, remains faithful, and after a fall returns to Him. This is the path to holiness—the continual striving to conform our hearts to His, seeking His grace in all things. Such a soul reflects the heart of the Gospel, living in the embrace of divine mercy and trusting in the Lord’s abounding love (cf. Psalm 145:8; CCC 2011).

To be animated with the sentiments of our Adorable Jesus means allowing His divine love to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. It is to desire what He desires—to love souls, to forgive without limit, and to offer ourselves in sacrifice for the salvation of others. This call demands the renunciation of self and the cultivation of humility, echoing the teaching that we are to have the mind of Christ, who emptied Himself out of love for us (cf. Philippians 2:5-8; CCC 459). This inner transformation brings the joy of sharing in His divine work, making us instruments of His mercy in the world, reflecting the beatitude of showing mercy to others (cf. Matthew 5:7; St. Faustina, Diary 163).

Our Adorable Jesus understands our weakness and knows that we will sometimes stumble. It's a happy soul who, after yielding to sin or spiritual desolation, humbly returns to Him in contrition. For the Shepherd never ceases to travel the distance for that lost sheep and rejoices over the sinner who repents. No fall should lead us to despair; rather, each fall should teach us greater humility and deeper reliance on divine mercy (cf. Luke 15:4-7; St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life). The Sacrament of Penance becomes the privileged place where our wounds are healed, and grace is restored (cf. CCC 1468).

Fidelity is the foundation of this blessed journey. Remaining faithful to our Adorable Jesus in daily prayer, participation in the Holy Eucharist, and acts of charity strengthens the soul to persevere through trials. Each time we rise from a fall and renew our trust in divine mercy, we advance along the path of sanctification. Our wounds, united to the Passion of Christ, become marks of victory. This persevering fidelity leads to the final triumph—the beatific vision, where the faithful soul will behold the glory of God and dwell with Him in eternal happiness (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7-8; CCC 1024; St. Therese of Lisieux, Story of a Soul).

Prayer: 

Oh our Adorable Jesus, animate our souls with Your divine sentiments. Strengthen us to remain faithful in love and service. When we fall, lift us swiftly into Your merciful embrace. Teach us to trust always in Your mercy, that we may persevere unto eternal union with You. 

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