Reflection 25 - Interior Suffering - A Path to Mercy

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

#Aaron Raymond Brodeski #John Paul Thomas #Catholic #Society #Religion #Christianity

27:28

Chris Nowinski is a former football player at Harvard University and professional wrestler with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. After enduring a career-ending head injury, Chris has dedicated his professional life to serving patients and families affected by brain trauma, particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that develops after repeated head injuries. Jay and Chris discuss the state of head injuries in American athletics, the difference between advocating for head safety at youth and professional levels, Chris’ newest research, and much more. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) changes in the culture around concussions in the past two decades (02:39) padded helmet technology (03:55) concussion reporting in the NFL (10:35) Chris’ career path and concussion history (14:52) connecting with activists who haven’t themselves suffered a traumatic brain injury (17:42) SHAAKE - a new sign to identify concussions (20:53) Unions can help players advocate for safety policies (23:10) final thoughts and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/…

год назад 2:23

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As you grow deeper in your relationship with God you will have many moments of struggle as well as many moments of consolation. Do not be afraid of moments of dryness and interior suffering. They are necessary and part of God’s method of holiness for you. In those moments, raise your eyes to Jesus. See Him in His glory and beg for His Mercy (See Diary #22-23).
Honestly look at your soul this day. Ponder all that you experience interiorly. Ponder, especially, all that only you are aware of. Do you find pain and suffering within? If it is a result of your own sin then rejoice that you see this. If it is the result of God purifying you, then rejoice that He loves you enough to let you go through this spiritual dryness.
Look to Heaven and give thanks for all that you experience interiorly, for that which is in your soul is the presence of God leading you to Himself. Lord, at times I feel dry and dead inside. At times I wonder where You are and if You are with me. Help me to have hope and trust in those moments and to see them as a pathway to a deeper faith in You. Help me to turn to You in these moments so that Your gates of Mercy may be opened ever more widely. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured image above: Saint Bruno praying in the desert By Nicolas Mignard, via Wikimedia Commons

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Reflection 25 - Interior Suffering - A Path to Mercy

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

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published год назад

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1058 эпизодов

#Aaron Raymond Brodeski #John Paul Thomas #Catholic #Society #Religion #Christianity

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Reflection 71- Our Littleness and Nothingness 2:17

21 hours назад2:17

2:17

It is a grace from God to see ourselves as we are. And what will we see if we see ourselves this way? We will see our misery and nothingness. At first, this may not be all that desirable. It may even seem contrary to the dignity we have in Christ. But that’s the key. Our dignity is “in Christ.” Without Him, we are nothing. We are misery and nothingness by ourselves (See Diary #256). Today, do not be offended or afraid to acknowledge your “nothingness.” If it does not sit well with you at first, beg God for grace to see yourself as you are without Him. You will quickly see that without our divine Savior, you are truly miserable in every way. This is the starting point to a deep gratitude in that it allows you to more fully realize all that God has done for you. And when you see this, you will rejoice in the fact that He has come to meet you in this nothingness and has lifted you high to the dignity of His precious child. Lord, may I see my misery and wretchedness this day. May I come to understand that without You I am nothing. And in that realization, help me to become eternally grateful for the precious gift of becoming Your dear child in grace. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Christ and the sinner By Artist A.N. Mironov, via Wikimedia Commons…

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Reflection 70- Identifying with the Suffering Christ 2:24

2 дня назад2:24

2:24

Which image of Christ are you more comfortable with? Which image do you more easily identify with? The image of Christ glorified as King of all? Or the image of the beaten and suffering Christ? In the end, we will fix our eyes on the Lord in glory and majesty and this will be our delight for eternity. However, while we are pilgrims in this earthly life, the suffering Christ should dominate our mind and our affection. Why? Because it reveals the closeness of Jesus to us in our own weakness and pain. Seeing His wounds disposes us to reveal our own wounds with confidence. And seeing our own brokenness in truth and clarity helps us love our Lord more deeply. He entered into suffering through His Cross. He wants to personally enter your suffering as you gaze upon His wounds (See Diary #252). Look at the wounds of Jesus this day. Try to call His suffering to mind throughout the day. His suffering becomes a bridge to us. A bridge that allows us to enter His divine Heart which loved to the last drop of blood. Lord, I gaze upon You this day. I gaze upon every wound and ever scourge that You bore. Help me to draw close to You in Your pain and help me to allow You to transform my own sufferings into an instrument of divine union. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Christ in Glory By Francesco Bassano the Younger, via Wikimedia Commons…

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Reflection 69- Struggles Tempt Us to Doubt 2:33

3 дня назад2:33

2:33

We all encounter struggles in life. The question is: “What do you do with them?” Too often, when struggles come our way we are tempted to doubt the presence of God and to doubt His merciful help. In fact, the opposite is true. God is the answer to every struggle. He alone is the source of all we need in life. He is the One who can bring peace and serenity to our soul in the midst of any and every challenge or crisis we may face (See Diary #247). How do you deal with struggles, especially ones that turn into crises? How do you deal with daily stress and anxiety, problems and challenges, worries and failings? How do you deal with your own sins and even the sins of others? These, and many other aspects of our lives, can tempt us to turn from total trust in God and lead us to fall into doubt. Reflect upon how well you handle daily struggles and adversity. Do you remain confident each and every day that our Merciful Lord is there for you as the source of peace and serenity in the midst of a turbulent ocean? Make an act of trust in Him this day and watch as He brings calm to any storm. Lord, You and You alone can bring peace to my soul. When I am tempted by the difficulties of this day, help me to turn to You in perfect trust placing all my cares on You. Help me to never turn from you in my despair but to know with certainty that You are always there and are the One to whom I must turn. I trust You, my Lord, I trust You. Jesus, I do trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Grief Sadness Jesus, via Needpix.com…

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Reflection 68- Rejoicing in the Goodness of Others 2:34

4 дня назад2:34

2:34

When others do well, how do you react? Most likely when a child does well it brings delight to your soul. But what about others? A sure sign of a merciful heart is the ability to sincerely find joy in the good that others do. Too often jealousy and envy get in the way of this form of Mercy. But when we delight in the goodness of another and rejoice when God is at work in someone’s life, this is a sign that we have a merciful heart (See Diary #241). Think about the person that you may find it difficult to offer praise and honor. Who is it that is difficult to compliment and encourage? Why is it this way? We often point out their sin as the reason but the true reason is our own sin. It may be anger, envy, jealousy or pride. But the bottom line is that we must foster a spirit of joy in the good works of others. Reflect upon at least one person you find it difficult to love in this way and pray for that person today. Ask our Lord to give you a merciful heart so that you can rejoice as He works through others. Lord, help me to see Your presence in others. Help me to let go of all pride, jealousy and envy and to love with Your merciful Heart. I thank You for working in many ways through the lives of others. Help me to see You at work even in the greatest of sinners. And as I discover Your presence, please fill me with a joy that expresses itself with authentic gratitude. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: By Robert Cheaib from Pixabay…

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Reflection 67- Hidden Roses of Love 2:05

5 дней назад2:05

2:05

Some acts of love are meant to be shared only between lovers. Acts of the utmost intimacy and self-giving are precious gifts of love shared in the secrecy of a relationship of love. This is also the case with our love of God. We should regularly look for ways to express our most profound love of God in ways that are known only to Him. In return, God will lavish merciful graces upon us, interiorly, known to us alone. These mutual exchanges of love are powerfully transforming to a soul and the source of the greatest delight (See Diary #239). Reflect, today, upon the intimacy of your relationship with our merciful God. Do you take great delight in showering Him with Your love? Do you do so, regularly, in the secrecy of your heart. And do you open yourself to the countless ways that God bestows these graces of love upon you? Lord, may my interior acts of love for You be as a rose I place before Your Divine Heart. May I delight in offering You my love and may I rejoice, always, in the secret and profound ways that You lavish Your love upon me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: via pixabay…

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Reflection 66- Justice Through Mercy 2:55

6 дней назад2:55

2:55

Some people, day in and day out, experience the harshness and cruelty of another. This is quite painful. As a result, there can be a strong desire for justice so that the person causing pain be held accountable. But the real question is this: What is the Lord calling me to do? How shall I react? Shall I be an instrument of God’s wrath and justice? Or shall I be an instrument of Mercy? The answer is both. The key is understanding that God’s justice, in this life, is implemented through His Mercy and through the Mercy we show to those who offend us. For now, accepting the darts of another in virtue is the way to God’s justice. We grow in patience and strength of character as we live in this virtuous way. In the end, at the end of time, God will right every wrong and all will come to light. But, for now, our mission is to bring the justice of God by offering His unlimited and continual Mercy (See Diary #236). Reflect upon any hurt you may have received from another. Reflect upon any words or actions that have stung you to the heart. Try to accept them in silence and surrender. Try to unite them to the sufferings of Christ and know that this act of humility and patience on your part will bring forth God’s justice in His time and in His way. Lord, help me to forgive. Help me to offer Mercy in the face of every wrong I encounter. May the Mercy You place in my heart be the source of Your own divine justice. I entrust to You all that I cannot comprehend in this life and know that, in the end, You will make all things new in Your light. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Ecce Homo By Quentin Matsys, via Wikimedia Commons…

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Reflection 65- Jesus My Master 2:21

7 дней назад2:21

2:21

Are you comfortable calling Jesus your Master? Some may prefer to call Him “friend” or “shepherd.” And these titles are true. But what about Master? Ideally, we will all come to give ourselves to our Lord as the Master of our lives. We must not only become servants, we must become slaves. Slaves of Christ. If that doesn’t sit well then ponder simply what sort of Master our Lord would be. He would be a Master who directs us with perfect commands of love. Since He is a God of perfect love, we should have no fear abandoning ourselves into His hands in this holy and submissive way (See Diary #228). Reflect, today, upon the joy of being totally given over to Christ and being completely under His direction. Ponder every word you say and every action you do being lived in obedience to His perfect plan. We should not only be completely free from any fear of such a Master, we should run to Him and seek to live in perfect obedience. Lord, You are the Master of my life. I submit my life to You in a holy slavery of love. In this holy slavery, I thank You for setting me free to live and love as You desire. I thank You for commanding me in accord with Your most perfect Will. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: By Thomas B. from Pixabay…

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Reflection 64- Hearing the Voice of God 2:26

8 дней назад2:26

2:26

When you are at church, do you listen? Specifically, do you listen to the voice of God? Often times we sit and listen to the homily and our mind wanders and we miss all or most of what was said. Where does your mind wander? The truth is that sometimes a wandering mind is from the Lord. Sometimes there may be one thing said at Mass that our Lord then places on your heart to ponder. Do not be afraid to let Jesus take you on a spiritual journey while at Mass or while alone in prayer. He may often wish to speak a homily directly to your soul (See Diary #221). Reflect, today, upon how well you reflect. True prayerful reflection is not simply daydreaming. It’s not distraction that leads us to obsess or worry about this thing or that. Prayerful reflection is a way of letting God take hold of our imagination so as to lead us into His Truth. He often desires to lead us into a particular word of Truth that we need to know at that time. How well do you do this? Ponder your prayerful pondering and next time you pray do not be afraid to let God take control. Lord, I know You speak to me day and night. Help me to hear Your sweet voice and to listen. Help me to allow You to take control of my prayer and to direct me into all You have to say. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: By Robert Cheaib from Pixabay…

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Reflection 63- How do You Speak to Others? 2:08

9 дней назад2:08

2:08

When speaking to others, the love and Mercy of God must flow from our lips. But how? What should our speech look like? One way to examine our speech to others is to look at it in the light of how we should speak to God. When speaking to God we should speak with honesty, simplicity, humility and confidence. Think of a sincere child praying to God. This pure soul exudes these qualities well. So should we. And if we speak to God with these qualities, they will also be a good guide in our speech to others (See Diary #215). Reflect upon the people and conversations that you have. Do you speak from pride or sarcasm? Do you struggle with gossip or carelessness? Think about what your speech would look like if it were honest, simple, humble and confident in God’s grace. Joy will be present in each conversation guided by these virtues. Lord, help me to speak with a merciful and kind heart. Help me to guard my tongue against malice and harshness. Forgive me for my past indiscretions and help me to be a mouthpiece of Your generous and merciful heart to others. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Child's First Prayer By Dawn Hudson, via www.publicdomainpictures.net/…

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Reflection 62- The Small Sacrifices of Life 2:21

10 дней назад2:21

2:21

Do small sacrifices matter? Sometimes we can think that we should try to do great things. Some may have ideas of grandeur and dream of accomplishing some great feats. But what about the small, monotonous, daily sacrifices we make? Sacrifices such as cleaning, cooking, helping another, forgiving, etc.? Do the small things matter? Most certainly. They are a treasure we give to God like none other. Small daily sacrifices are like a field in the open valley, filled as far as the eye can see with beautiful wild flowers. One flower is lovely, but when we commit ourselves to these small acts of love all day, every day, we present to God a flowing field of endless beauty and magnificence (See Diary #208). Reflect upon the small things today. What is it that you do each day that tires you and seems boring or unimportant. Know that these acts, perhaps more than any other, present you with a glorious opportunity to honor and glorify God in a magnificent way. Lord, I offer You my day. I offer You all that I do and all that I am. I especially offer You the small things I do every day. May each action become a gift to You, offering You honor and glory throughout my day. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Christ in Martha's house, via Wikimedia Commons…

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Reflection 61- Where Happiness Comes From 2:34

11 дней назад2:34

2:34

Could you be happy if you were in prison? Or what if you were called at a young age to enter a cloistered monastery and live in seclusion throughout your life? Could you find happiness if you were living in the utmost poverty having barely enough to feed your family each and every day? The answer is “Yes.” You most certainly can find happiness within any situation of life. How? Happiness is not dependent upon the external circumstances of life that are out of our control. It is not dependent upon wealth, physical freedom, or even vocational callings. Happiness is found exclusively in the fact that we are intimately united with our Divine Lord, no matter what our vocation or life circumstances. The question is whether or not you are in love with God (See Diary #201). Reflect upon your interior relationship with our Divine Lord. Do you know and love Him in a real and personal way? Do you daily communicate with Him and spend your day in His presence? Is your life of prayer alive and flourishing? Does your heart burst forth with a burning love? God loves you perfectly. Love Him back and you will find your source of your joy in life. My dear Lord, help me to love you with a burning love. Help me to know You in the most intimate and personal of ways. I know that my happiness depends solely upon my love for You. May that love in my heart increase daily so that I may be one with You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: By Kasun Chamara on Pixabay…

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Reflection 60- Dealing With a Spiritual Drought 2:13

12 дней назад2:13

2:13

Does your soul feel like it is in a spiritual drought at times? Do you wish you could have greater spiritual consolation in your daily life? This is a common struggle and one that we should not worry about. The primary goal of our spiritual life is to do the Will of God. Often times, a certain spiritual dryness actually helps us live the Will of God more than powerful and emotional spiritual consolations. God knows what we need and will give it to us when we need it (See Diary #195). Consider, today, how you feel inside. What does your spiritual life feel like today? Now set that thought aside and realize that there is only one thing that ultimately matters: doing the Will of God, not feeling the Will of God. “Doing” must be our food and our strength. Contrast your feelings with your doing today and ask our Lord for grace to live out His Will. Lord, I recommit myself to Your most holy Will this day. I commit myself to doing that which You command. May I see all Your commands as commands of love. May my embrace of these commands bring strength and peace to my soul, especially during times of spiritual dryness. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Saint Anthony Distributing His Wealth to the Poor By Sano di Pietro, via Wikimedia Commons…

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Reflection 59- “Oh, Blood and Water…” 2:25

13 дней назад2:25

2:25

After Jesus’ death, one of the soldiers came to Him and was ordered to make certain He was dead. So that soldier pierced His precious body with a lance and immediately blood and water gushed forth from His wounded Heart. This has been prayerfully reflected upon throughout the ages and has been seen as a sign of the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion and the fact that the Blood of the Holy Eucharist and the Water of Baptism spring forth directly from the ultimate sacrificial gift of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice of the Cross (See Diary #187). Renew, today, your gratitude for these Sacraments of God’s abundant Mercy. Ponder the fact that they were made possible only because Jesus was willing to sacrifice His life out of love for us. Let His sacrifice, this day, fill your own heart with gratitude and awe as you think about the price He willingly and freely paid so as to redeem us. Lord, Your love is seen clearly in the Sacrifice of Your Cross. You held nothing back from us as You poured out Your Mercy to the last drop on the Cross. Help me to see and understand this great mystery of sacrificial love. Fill me with gratitude for all that You have done and help me to imitate this total self-giving toward others. Oh blood and water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus, as a font of Mercy for us, I trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: The Strike of the Lance, via Brooklyn Museum…

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Reflection 58- Purification of Sin 2:41

14 дней назад2:41

2:41

Sin is a topic that many avoid. We don’t like to think about our sins. We don’t like to admit to them, and we often rationalize them as if we do not have any. We can easily come up with excuses for this “sin” or that. But here is another perspective on sin. We should see our sin, no matter how grave or how small, as a little twig. And then we should see a huge and blazing fire. If you were to throw that twig into the fire it would immediately be consumed. The twig is our sin and God’s Mercy is so powerful that it can easily and quickly consume it. We only need to be willing to admit our sins and throw them into that burning fire of Divine Mercy (See Diary #178). Can you admit your sin? Do you see your sin? No excuses, just honesty. And are you willing to confess your sins, all of them, in the sacramental fire of Reconciliation? If you are aware of the power of God’s Divine Mercy and His willingness to eliminate your sin, you will have no fear in honestly admitting it and letting Him consume it. Try to examine your conscience today and face that which you need to let God burn away. Lord, Your Divine Mercy is infinite and most powerful. It is a flame of burning love. Help me to trust in You enough to face my sin honestly and to throw it into the fire of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May I trust in this glorious Sacrament and, in so doing, may I trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You. Source of content: www.divinemercy.life Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Featured image above: Traditional Cornish Hilltop bonfire, via Wikimedia Commons…

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Reflection 57- A Fire Within Your Soul 2:18

15 дней назад2:18