Tuesday, February 22, marks the 91st anniversary of the apparition of the image of the Merciful Christ. This image is the best known image of Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. It is also an extraordinary image, not only because it is the most widespread, but above all because its co-author is the Lord Jesus Himself, who in this very form appeared to Sister Faustina in the cell of the convent of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy in Plock on February 22, 1931.
“1931, 22 February. + In the evening when I was in my cell, I saw Jesus clothed in a white robe. One of His hands was raised in a gesture of blessing, and with the other He was touching the robe on His chest. There were two big rays, one red and the other pale, emerging from a fold in the robe on His chest. I fixed my gaze on the Lord in silence, my soul was overawed but also full of joy. After a while Jesus said to me, “Make Me a picture of this image in the form that you see, with the inscription Jesus, I trust in You. I want this picture venerated first in your chapel, and in the whole world” (D. 47).
“I promise that the soul that venerates this picture shall not perish. I also promise it victory over its enemies, already here on Earth, and especially in the hour of death. I Myself shall protect it as My glory” (D. 48).
Let us give thanks for the gift of the image of the merciful Jesus and let us surrender our whole life to His mercy!
