Devotion to Divine Mercy in the extreme hour of death
26. In the extreme hour of death. - God's mercy reaches the sinner many times in the last hour in a singular and mysterious way. Outwardly it would seem that all is now lost, but this is not the case. The soul, illuminated by the ray of a powerful last grace, in the final moment can turn to God with such force of love that, in an instant, it receives from him the forgiveness of sins and the remission of pains. Externally, however, we see no sign of repentance or contrition, because the dying person no longer reacts visibly. How much God's mercy is inscrutable! But, horror! There are also souls who, willingly and consciously, reject even extreme grace with contempt!
Let it be said, therefore, that even in full agony, divine mercy places this moment of clarity in the depths of the soul, through which the soul, if it wishes, finds the possibility of returning to him. It happens, however, that there are souls of such inner hardship that they consciously choose hell, making vain not only the prayers raised to God for them, but even frustrating the very efforts of God.
27. Eternity will not be enough to thank you. - O God of infinite mercy, who deigned to send us your Only Begotten as an insuperable proof of your mercy, open your treasures to sinners, so that they may draw from your mercy not only your forgiveness, but also holiness with the breadth of which they are able. Father of boundless goodness, I want all hearts to turn with trust to your mercy. If it were not for it, no one in front of you could be forgiven. When you reveal this mystery to us, eternity will not be enough to thank you.
28. My trust. - When my human nature is seized with fear, my trust in infinite mercy immediately awakens in me. In front of it, everything gives way, as the shadow of the night gives when the rays of the sun appear. The certainty of your goodness, Jesus, convinces me to look even death in the eyes with courage. I know that nothing will happen to me, without divine mercy being present. I will celebrate it in the course of life and at the time of death, at my resurrection and for eternity. Jesus, every day my soul plunges into the rays of your mercy: I do not know an instant in which it does not act on me. Your mercy is the common thread of my life. My soul overflows, Lord, with your goodness.
29. The flower of the soul. - Mercy is the greatest of divine perfections: everything around me proclaims it. Mercy is the life of souls, God's condescension towards them is inexhaustible. O incomprehensible God, how great is your mercy! The angels and men have come out of her womb, and she surpasses all their understanding. God is love, and mercy is his action. Mercy is the flower of love. Wherever I turn my eyes, everything speaks to me of mercy, even justice, because justice also springs from love.
30. How much happiness burns in my heart! - Every soul trusts in the mercy of the Lord: he never denies it to anyone. Heaven and earth can collapse before God's mercy runs out. How much happiness burns in my heart at the thought of your incomprehensible goodness, oh my Jesus! I wish to lead to you all those who have fallen into sin, so that they may encounter your mercy and exalt you forever.