Tag: Jesus

The History of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
“The prayer that flowed directly from the Heart of Christ”

🌿 A Revelation in Troubled Times

In the early 20th century, as the world trembled on the brink of war and moral uncertainty, a humble Polish nun named Saint Faustina Kowalska received extraordinary revelations that would echo across the globe.

Born in 1905, Faustina entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. She lived a quiet, hidden life—but her soul was chosen for a profound mission. Beginning in 1931, she began to receive visions of Jesus Christ, who appeared to her as the Divine Mercy.

In one of these visions, Jesus asked that an image be painted with the words:
“Jesus, I trust in You.”

From His heart flowed two rays—one pale, one red—symbolizing blood and water, the fountain of mercy for all humanity.

✨ The Chaplet: A Prayer Given by Jesus

On September 13, 1935, Faustina recorded in her diary a powerful new prayer—given directly by Jesus Himself. This would become known as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Unlike traditional prayers developed over centuries, this chaplet is unique. According to Faustina’s writings, the words were dictated by Christ:

“Say unceasingly the chaplet that I have taught you… Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.”

The prayer is prayed using ordinary rosary beads, but its words are striking:
- “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity…”
- “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Many faithful believe this may be among the only prayers ever given word-for-word by Jesus for mankind to use—making it a deeply intimate connection between Heaven and Earth.

🌍 Spreading the Message to the World

Faustina’s diary, later published as “Divine Mercy in My Soul,” became the foundation of the devotion. However, the message did not spread easily at first. There were misunderstandings and even temporary restrictions placed on the devotion.

But God’s timing is perfect.

A fellow Pole, Pope John Paul II, played a crucial role in bringing the message to the world. Having lived through the horrors of World War II, he deeply understood the need for Divine Mercy.

In the year 2000, he canonized Faustina and established Divine Mercy Sunday—to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.

Today, the Chaplet is prayed around the world, especially at 3:00 PM—the Hour of Mercy, the time of Christ’s death on the Cross.

💖 Why the Chaplet Matters Today

In a world still marked by suffering, division, and uncertainty, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy offers something timeless:
- Hope for sinners
- Comfort for the dying
- Peace for troubled hearts
- A reminder that God’s mercy is greater than any sin
Jesus promised Faustina:

“The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.”

This message is not one of judgment—but of invitation.

🙏 A Prayer for Our Time

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is simple. It can be prayed anywhere—alone, with family, or for the whole world.

It is a prayer of offering, of trust, and of surrender.

Perhaps that is what makes it so powerful:
not just that it was given by Christ…
but that it leads us back to His Heart.

✝️ Final Reflection

If it is true that the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is among the only prayers given directly by Jesus in such a complete form, then it is a gift beyond measure—a divine whisper to humanity:

“Trust Me. Come to Me. Receive My mercy.”

And in praying it, we do something beautiful—we echo back to God the very words He gave us.

Click Here dor the way to pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 11, 2026
The Stations of the Cross

Today, Holy Saturday, there is no Mass untill Sunday as Jesus’ Body is in the tomb, So at 7AM EWTM aired Pope Leo IV as he carried the cross as he visited the fourteen Stations of the Cross

If you want to know God, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to love God, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to know the infinite, eternal love of God, look at the Crucifix.
If you wish to have a part in giving that same love to others,. look at the Crucifix.
If you want to know who you are and your worth, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to know how you were saved from the jaws of hell, look at the Crucifix.
Ift you want to know how much God wants to save your immortal soul, look at the Crucifix.
If you know who will lead you into Heaven, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to live well, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to die well, look at the Crucifix.
If you want to spend eternity in Heaven with your eternal Father, look at the Crucifix.

For by the Crucifiction and Resurrection of Jesus, we have been given eternal life. Cherish it. Thank God for it. Live well so you can enjoy it.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 4, 2026
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
The Price Paid for our Redemption

Introduction

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary—the Crucifixion—stands at the heart of Christian faith. It is the moment where suffering, sacrifice, love, and redemption converge. Meditating on this mystery invites us not only to remember Christ’s death, but to understand its profound meaning for humanity.

The Journey to Calvary

After enduring scourging and mockery, Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha—the “Place of the Skull.” Weak from suffering, He stumbled along the way, yet continued forward in obedience to the Father’s will.

This journey reminds us that suffering is often part of life’s path. Yet, like Christ, we are called to persevere with faith, trusting that even pain can have purpose.

The Crucifixion

At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross—hands and feet pierced, body lifted between heaven and earth. Above Him was placed the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

Despite unimaginable agony, His words from the cross reveal divine mercy:
- “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
- “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
- “It is finished.”
These words echo through history, offering forgiveness, hope, and fulfillment.

The Meaning of the Cross

The Crucifixion is not merely a moment of death—it is the ultimate act of love. Christians believe that through His sacrifice, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, opening the path to salvation.

The cross, once a symbol of shame, becomes a sign of victory:
- Victory over sin
- Victory over death
- Victory through love
A Call to Reflection

Meditating on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery invites us to reflect on our own lives:
- How do we respond to suffering?
- Can we forgive as Christ forgave?
- Are we willing to carry our crosses with faith?
The Crucifixion teaches that love often requires sacrifice, and that even in darkness, there is hope.

Conclusion

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery is both solemn and transformative. It reminds us that through Christ’s suffering came redemption, and through His death came the promise of new life.

In contemplating the Crucifixion, we are invited not only to remember—but to be changed.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmailo.com
April 3, 2026
We all Live in the Disgration of God

In the Discretion of God

Last night, I was speaking with my sister about a priest who had planned to retire at the age of seventy-five. He had given years of faithful service and, by all expectations, was ready to step away from ministry. Yet, because he served at the discretion of his bishop, his plans changed. Instead of retiring, he was assigned to pastor a startup church—beginning again when he thought he was finished.

That conversation stayed with me.

This morning, I woke up with a deeper realization: we all serve at the discretion of God. Not at our own timing, not according to our own carefully arranged plans, but according to His will. And if we are honest, that truth is both humbling and unsettling.

Scripture reminds us of this reality in powerful ways. When Judas left the Last Supper, it is written that the devil had already entered him as he went out to betray the Lord. Even in that moment—dark, painful, and seemingly out of control—God’s greater purpose was unfolding. Nothing was outside His authority.

This truth became even more personal this week.

My sister had planned to retire after thirty-six years of banking. It was meant to be a joyful milestone. After decades of working alongside the same people, there were surely plans for celebration, reflection, and closure. But life had other plans.

Her husband suffered a heart attack.

Instead of enjoying her final days at work, she spent her next-to-last day driving to Oklahoma City and sitting in a hospital room through the night. He received a stent, and by April 2nd, they returned home to Atoka, Oklahoma. What was supposed to be a week of celebration became a week of crisis, care, and uncertainty.

And yet, in that disruption, there was a greater truth revealed: no matter how much we plan, God is in charge.

We map out our lives with timelines and expectations. We anticipate milestones and transitions. But in a moment, everything can shift. Not because God has lost control—but because He never relinquished it in the first place.

Even Jesus Christ Himself lived in complete submission to the Father’s will. He did not act independently of God’s purpose. He walked a path that led through suffering—His Passion, His crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection. From a human perspective, it may have looked like tragedy or defeat. But in God’s plan, it was redemption.

If Jesus, the Son, lived and served according to the Father’s will, how much more must we?

We may not always understand why our plans are interrupted. We may not see the purpose behind sudden changes or painful circumstances. But we can trust that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

The priest who thought he was retiring found himself beginning anew. My sister who expected celebration found herself in a hospital. And in both stories, there is a common thread: God’s authority overrides our expectations.

We do not serve at our own discretion.

We serve at His.

And in that truth, there is both surrender—and peace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 3, 2026
Holy Thursday: The Last Supper
The First Priest are Ordained and Commissioned

Introduction

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, marks one of the most profound moments in the Christian calendar. Observed during Holy Week, it commemorates the Last Supper—Jesus Christ’s final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This sacred event is not only a historical remembrance but a living tradition that continues to shape Christian faith, worship, and understanding of love and service.

The Setting of the Last Supper

The Last Supper took place in Jerusalem on the night before Jesus was arrested. Gathered with His twelve disciples, Jesus shared a Passover meal that would take on new and eternal meaning. What seemed like a traditional observance quickly became a defining moment in Christian theology.

During this meal, Jesus spoke openly about His impending suffering and betrayal. Yet, instead of fear or despair, He demonstrated humility, compassion, and divine purpose.

The Institution of the Eucharist

One of the most significant acts of the Last Supper was the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body.” He then took a cup of wine and said, “This is my blood of the covenant.”

This moment established a central sacrament in Christian life. Through the Eucharist, believers remember Christ’s sacrifice and participate in a spiritual union with Him. It is a ritual of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal that continues in churches around the world.

A Lesson in Humility: Washing of the Feet

Another powerful act during the Last Supper was Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. In a culture where this task was reserved for servants, Jesus reversed expectations by serving others in the most humble way.

This act symbolized love in action—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It also established a model for Christian living: leadership through service. Many churches reenact this ritual on Holy Thursday as a reminder of humility and compassion.

Betrayal and Love Intertwined

During the meal, Jesus revealed that one of His disciples would betray Him. Despite knowing this, He continued to share bread and fellowship with all present, including Judas. This moment reflects the depth of divine love—offered even in the face of betrayal.

The Last Supper, therefore, is not only about sacred rituals but also about forgiveness, grace, and the complexity of human relationships.

The Commandment of Love

The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment.” On this night, Jesus gave a new commandment:

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

This teaching lies at the heart of Holy Thursday. It calls believers to embody Christ’s love through kindness, sacrifice, and unity.

Holy Thursday Today

Today, Holy Thursday is observed with solemn church services that often include:
- The celebration of the Eucharist
- The washing of feet ceremony
- The stripping of the altar, symbolizing Jesus’ abandonment
The atmosphere is reflective and reverent, preparing believers for the sorrow of Good Friday and the hope of Easter Sunday.

Conclusion

Holy Thursday invites us into the intimate and transformative moments of the Last Supper. It is a day that speaks of love expressed through service, sacrifice shared through communion, and faith grounded in humility.

As we remember this sacred evening, we are called not only to reflect—but to live out its message: to love deeply, serve willingly, and walk faithfully in the path set by Christ.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
The Fruit of the Mystery is Patience

Introduction

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary invites us into one of the most physically and spiritually intense moments of Christ’s Passion: Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. This scene is not only a historical event but a deeply personal call to every believer—to walk with Christ in suffering, humility, and perseverance.

The Biblical Scene

After being scourged and crowned with thorns, Jesus is forced to carry the heavy wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem toward Golgotha. Weak from pain and loss of blood, He stumbles under its weight. The soldiers compel Simon of Cyrene to help Him carry the cross, while the crowd watches—some mocking, others mourning.

This journey, known as the Via Dolorosa, represents not only Christ’s physical suffering but also His unwavering obedience to the Father’s will.

Spiritual Meaning

The Carrying of the Cross reveals several profound truths:

1. The Weight of Sin

The cross symbolizes the burden of humanity’s sins—past, present, and future—that Jesus willingly carries.

2. Human Weakness and Divine Strength

Jesus falls multiple times, reminding us that even in weakness, grace sustains us.

3. Shared Suffering

Simon of Cyrene’s involvement teaches that we are called to help one another carry life’s burdens.

A Reflection for Our Lives

Each of us has a cross to carry—whether it be illness, loss, struggle, or daily hardship. This mystery challenges us to ask:
- Do I accept my cross with faith and trust?
- Do I help others carry their burdens?
- Can I find meaning in suffering by uniting it with Christ?
Jesus does not carry the cross alone—and neither should we.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as You carried Your cross to Calvary, You embraced the weight of my sins and the suffering of the world. Teach me to carry my own cross with patience and love. Help me to support others in their struggles, just as Simon helped You. Grant me the strength to follow You faithfully, even when the road is difficult. Amen.

Conclusion

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery is a powerful meditation on endurance, compassion, and sacrificial love. In contemplating Christ’s journey to Calvary, we are invited not only to witness His suffering but to transform our own lives through it.

May we walk beside Him—not only in sorrow, but in hope—knowing that the cross always leads to resurrection.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
Humiliation

A Mystery of Silent Strength

The Third Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary invites us into one of the most painful and humiliating moments of Christ’s Passion: the Crowning with Thorns. After being scourged, Jesus is mocked by Roman soldiers who twist together a crown of sharp thorns and press it into His head. They drape Him in a purple cloak, place a reed in His hand, and jeer, “Hail, King of the Jews.”

This mystery is not only about physical suffering—it reveals the depth of human cruelty and the profound humility of Christ.

The Scene of Mockery and Pain

Imagine the scene: exhausted, wounded, and bleeding, Jesus stands surrounded by soldiers who ridicule Him. The crown, meant as a cruel parody of kingship, digs into His scalp. Each thorn pierces His skin, causing intense pain. Yet He does not resist.

In this moment, Christ embodies a kingship unlike any other—one not of power, but of sacrificial love.

A Lesson in Humility

The Crowning with Thorns teaches us about humility in the face of humiliation. Jesus, though truly King, accepts mockery without retaliation. He shows us that true greatness is not found in domination or pride, but in love, patience, and self-giving.

This mystery challenges us to reflect:
- How do we respond when we are misunderstood or ridiculed?
- Do we seek recognition, or do we quietly serve?
- Can we remain gentle when faced with injustice?
The Fruit of the Mystery: Moral Courage

Meditating on this mystery helps cultivate moral courage—the strength to stand firm in truth and goodness even when it is difficult. Jesus does not abandon His mission, even under extreme suffering. His silence is not weakness; it is purposeful and redemptive.

We are invited to imitate this courage in our daily lives:
- To stand for what is right, even when unpopular
- To endure hardship with faith
- To resist the temptation of pride and ego
A Prayerful Reflection

As we pray this mystery, we might say:

Lord Jesus, crowned with thorns, teach me to be humble.
Help me to endure trials with patience and to trust in Your love.
Give me the courage to follow You, even when the path is difficult.

Conclusion

The Crowning with Thorns is a powerful reminder that Christ’s The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorn

The Humility of Jesus is beyond comperhension

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 2, 2026
Entering the Sacred Mystery of Holy Week
Making the Most of Holy Week

It’s Holy Week, and we have almost completed our forty days of Lent—nearly arriving at the finish line. We hope your Lenten season has proved fruitful! Now let’s turn our attention to the sacred days ahead so that we can enter them deeply and make the most of this holy time.

The Heart of the Liturgical Year

The Easter Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday—is the heart of the Church’s liturgical year. In these three days, we walk with Christ from the Upper Room to Calvary to the empty tomb.

The Church grows quiet and watchful. We are invited not simply to remember these events, but to participate in them—to unite our lives, our sufferings, and our hopes to the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Spy Wednesday: A Call to Fidelity

On Spy Wednesday, we recall Judas’s betrayal: thirty pieces of silver in exchange for the Lord of glory. It is a sobering reminder of our own capacity to turn away from Christ.

As we examine our hearts this week, we are invited to ask:
- Where am I being called to deeper fidelity?
- How can I respond with greater generosity and love?
Holy Thursday: Love Made Visible

Holy Thursday begins the sacred Triduum with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. We remember the institution of the Eucharist—Christ’s body and blood given for us—and his command to love through humble service, symbolized in the washing of feet.

This is love made visible: self-giving, sacrificial, and deeply personal.

Good Friday: The Mystery of the Cross

On Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the cross. It is a day of silence, fasting, and profound gratitude.

What appears to be defeat becomes victory.
What looks like tragedy becomes redemption.

In Christ’s suffering, we discover that no pain is meaningless when united to him. The cross reveals both the seriousness of sin and the even greater power of divine mercy.

Holy Saturday: Waiting in Hope

Holy Saturday is a day of stillness and waiting. Christ lies in the tomb; the Church keeps vigil.

Then, in the darkness of the Easter Vigil, a single flame pierces the night.

The resurrection changes everything.

Death is defeated.
Hope is restored.
The stone is rolled away—not only from Christ’s tomb, but from our hearts.

Easter Joy

As we prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday, we pray that the joy of the resurrection fills your home and renews your faith.

Thank you for walking with us this Lent with us at Team Hope Ministries.

A Final Blessing

May you and your loved ones have a blessed and joyful Easter.

God bless you,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 1, 2026
The Second Mystery of the Rosary: The Scourging at the Pillar
In Commemoration of Holy Week

Introduction

The Second Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary, The Scourging at the Pillar, invites us into one of the most painful moments of Christ’s Passion. After being unjustly condemned, Jesus is bound to a pillar and brutally whipped. This mystery is not only a historical event but a profound spiritual reflection on suffering, humility, and love.

The Biblical Scene

Following His trial, Jesus is handed over to Roman soldiers. According to the Gospels, He is scourged—a punishment intended to weaken and humiliate before crucifixion. The soldiers strike Him repeatedly, tearing His flesh, while He endures the agony in silence.

This moment reveals the stark contrast between human cruelty and divine mercy. Though innocent, Christ accepts the punishment without resistance, fulfilling His mission of redemption.

The Spiritual Meaning

The Scourging at the Pillar calls us to meditate on several key spiritual truths:
- Purification from Sin
  The lashes Christ endured symbolize the consequences of sin. In accepting this suffering, He takes upon Himself the burden of humanity’s wrongdoing.
- Humility and Obedience
  Jesus submits fully to the Father’s will. Despite having the power to stop His suffering, He chooses obedience out of love.
- The Value of Redemptive Suffering
  This mystery teaches that suffering, when united with Christ, can have deep spiritual meaning and transformative power.
A Reflection for Today

In a world often marked by injustice, pain, and suffering, the Scourging at the Pillar remains deeply relevant. It reminds us:
- To endure hardships with faith and patience
- To resist inflicting harm on others through words or actions
- To recognize Christ in those who suffer today
Each stripe borne by Christ becomes a call to compassion. When we encounter suffering—our own or others’—we are invited to respond with love rather than despair.

Prayer Meditation

As we contemplate this mystery, we may pray:

Lord Jesus,
You endured unimaginable suffering for my sake.
Help me to accept my trials with courage,
to turn away from sin,
and to grow in love and humility.
Amen.

Conclusion

The Scourging at the Pillar is a powerful reminder of Christ’s boundless love. Though marked by brutality, it reveals a deeper truth: that love is stronger than suffering. By meditating on this mystery, we draw closer to the heart of Christ and learn to carry our own crosses with grace.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
April 1, 2026
The Week That Changed the World
The Week That Changed the World: A Catholic Journey Through Holy Week

From a Catholic perspective, Holy Week is the most sacred time of the year—a profound spiritual journey that truly changed the world. It commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, revealing God’s plan of salvation and opening the path to eternal life.

This week is not merely remembered—it is lived. Through liturgy, prayer, and reflection, Catholics enter into the mystery of Christ’s love, walking step by step from triumph to sacrifice, and ultimately to victory.

The Journey Begins: From Praise to the Cross

The journey begins with Palm Sunday (of the Passion of the Lord). Jesus enters Jerusalem to cries of “Hosanna!”—welcomed as king. Yet, within the same liturgy, the Passion narrative is proclaimed, reminding us how quickly human hearts can change.

This day sets the tone for the entire week: joy intertwined with sorrow, glory shadowed by sacrifice.

Betrayal and Preparation: Spy Wednesday

Midweek, often called Spy Wednesday, focuses on the quiet but devastating betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

It reminds us that sin often works in secrecy—and invites us to examine our own hearts. Where do we turn away from Christ? Where are we called back to fidelity?

The Sacred Triduum Begins: Holy Thursday

The evening of Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum—the holiest period of the Church year.

On this night, Catholics commemorate:
- The Last Supper
- The institution of the Eucharist
- The founding of the priesthood
- Jesus washing the feet of His disciples
This act of humility reveals the heart of Christian discipleship: love expressed through service.

The Sacrifice of Love: Good Friday

Good Friday is a day of profound silence and reverence.

There is no Mass. Instead, Catholics gather to:
- Hear the Passion of Christ
- Venerate the Cross
- Pray for the world
It is the day we remember that Jesus gave His life for the salvation of humanity. The Cross, once a symbol of death, becomes the ultimate sign of sacrificial love.

The Silence of Hope: Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting.

Christ lies in the tomb. The Church is still. The world seems paused.

Yet beneath the silence, hope is alive.

That night, the Easter Vigil begins—the “mother of all vigils”—where darkness is pierced by candlelight, proclaiming that death will not have the final word.

The Triumph of Life: Easter

Easter is the culmination—the victory.

Christ is risen.

Sin is defeated. Death is conquered. Heaven is opened.

This is the foundation of Christian faith and the reason for hope in every age.

A Living Mystery, Not Just a Memory

For Catholics, Holy Week is not simply a historical timeline—it is a living participation in the mysteries of faith.
- It is an encounter with sacrificial love
- A call to conversion and renewal
- A journey that challenges us to choose forgiveness, humility, and grace
The Easter Triduum, from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, stands as the pinnacle of the liturgical year because it reveals the deepest truth: love is stronger than sin, and life is stronger than death.

Enter the Story

Holy Week is more than something we observe—it is something we enter.

It invites each of us to walk with Christ:
- From praise…
- Through suffering…
- Into new life
This is why it is called the week that changed the world.

And it still changes hearts today.

If you liked this article, please leave your feedback, share with others, and come back for more stories.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
March 29, 2026