The Message
Lesson Ten — Eucharistic Adoration and Divine Mercy
The Eucharist is central to the message of Divine Mercy. The Jesus we see in the Image of The Divine Mercy is the same Lord and Savior we encounter in the Consecrated Host. Saint Faustina had a deep love for the Eucharist and added "of the Most Blessed Sacrament" to her name.
She placed the highest value on the Eucharist:
Today, I only received Holy Communion and stayed for a few moments of the Mass. All my strength is in You, O Living Bread. It would be difficult for me to live through the day if I did not receive Holy Communion. It is my shield; without You, Jesus, I know not how to live" (Diary of St. Faustina, 814).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself, our Pasch'" (1324).
The early Church understood the Real Presence and the great gift of the Eucharist. Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who died in 107 A.D., wrote seven letters on his way to martyrdom. One was written to St. Polycarp, a successor and disciple of St. John the Apostle. Ignatius wrote that the Eucharist was at the heart and center of the Church. He noted and suggested that the only valid Eucharist celebrated is the one celebrated by a bishop, one of his appointed successors, or a priest under his authority.
In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI called a Eucharistic Synod, and in an Apostolic Exhortation, he encouraged Eucharistic Adoration. He noted that the Holy Mass is the highest form of Eucharistic celebration, and Adoration is a natural extension.
When discussing the Real Presence, one can see from the John, Chapter 6, that even at the time of Christ, there was disagreement and discussion and many did not understand what He was saying. In verses 48-56, He speaks of being "the living bread which came down from Heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever ... for My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed." However, in verse 60, it is written that many of His disciples, when they heard those words, deserted Jesus: "This is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?" In verse 66, we learn that "After this many of His disciples drew back and no longer went about with Him."
The concept of the True Presence in the Eucharist remains a challenging truth to this day. We must pray for the gift of faith in this great truth.
When dying people receive Holy Communion as part of the final sacraments, the so-called "Last Rites," it is food for the journey. Saint Faustina had a great love for the dying. One of the best means of assisting the dying is the one that Jesus revealed to Faustina and insisted that she use often, even continuously: The Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Jesus said: "My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given to you. It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet. ... Write that when they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the merciful Savior (Diary, 1541).
Earlier, our Lord said to her, "At the hour of their death, I defend as My own glory every soul that will say this chaplet; or when others say it for a dying person, the pardon is the same" (811).
What if the person prays from a distance? The following experiences recorded in her Diary make it clear that one does not have to be at the bedside physically. Saint Faustina wrote, "It sometimes happens that the dying person is in the second or third building away, yet for the spirit, space does not exist. It sometimes happens that I know about a death occurring several hundred kilometers away. This has happened several times with regard to my family and relatives and also sisters in religion, and even souls whom I have not known during their lifetime" (835).
Similarly, Jesus told her: "My daughter, help Me to save a certain dying sinner. Say the chaplet that I have taught you for him" (1565).
In that same passage, St. Faustina then reflects:
When I began to say the chaplet, I saw the man dying in the midst of terrible torment and struggle. His Guardian Angel was defending him, but he was, as it were, powerless against the enormity of the soul's misery. A multitude of devils was waiting for the soul. But while I was saying the chaplet, I saw Jesus just as He is depicted in the image. The rays which issued from Jesus' Heart enveloped the sick man, and the powers of darkness fled in panic. The sick man peacefully breathed his last. When I came to myself, I understood how very important the chaplet was for the dying. It appeases the anger of God.
These words are particularly relevant for members of the ministry and all Eucharistic adorers. In chapels throughout the world they are reciting or praying the Chaplet for the sick and dying and are part of an International Registry established by the Apostolate.
Moreover, on the occasion of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, Pope John Paul II imparted a Special Apostolic Blessing "to all the faithful, who during Adoration of Our Most Merciful Savior in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar will be praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the sick and for those throughout the world who will be dying in that hour."
If you would like information on how to get a copy of the Papal Blessing for your Adoration Chapel, contact us through the Association of Marian Helpers at 1-800-462-7426.
Questions for Discussion:
The Eucharist is central to our faith, and is a central theme in the message of Divine Mercy. Saint Faustina saw the same rays of mercy emanating from the Image as she did from the monstrance containing our Eucharistic Lord. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a Eucharistic prayer. We are called to receive Eucharist, and then live the love of God.
1. In what way is the message of Divine Mercy a Eucharistic message?
2. What is the "Real Presence?"
3. How is the Divine Mercy Chaplet a Eucharistic prayer?
4. Discuss St. Faustina's love for the dying. What does it say about her love of
neighbor? How does that apply to us?