Do you know that you can do something that can be a direct and immediate contribution to the salvation of souls? Jesus told St Faustina something of great value in this regard. (Since she is a canonized saint and her writings have received Church approval, it is worthy of belief, even though this is not on the same level as Scripture and Tradition.) At a certain moment Jesus said this: “Pray as much as you can for the dying… Be assured that the grace of eternal salvation for certain souls in their final moment depends upon your prayer…” (Diary, #1777).
As members of the Body of Christ we are required to pray for each other, for this is an important means of bringing God’s grace to souls. The hour of death is the most critical time in anyone’s life, especially if they are in any way estranged from God. They need help now—and the only thing that will save them is the grace of God, which draws them to repentance, faith, and trust in Him. He expects us to pray for that grace for the dying. For, as God said to the prophet Ezekiel: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (33:11).
But how do we do it? The Lord gave St Faustina a special prayer to be used for this purpose. It is called the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Here’s one thing the Lord said about it: “Whoever will recite [the chaplet] will receive great mercy at the hour of death… Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy…” (#687).
That’s good news, but what if someone is unable to say it himself, for whatever reason? Not to worry: “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). This is where you and I come in, where we pray for ailing members of the Body to be granted grace and mercy unto salvation.
Now is the time to start rescuing other souls from being eternally lost! So here’s what you can do: around 3:00 every afternoon (this is the “hour of mercy” since it is the hour of Jesus’ death on the Cross), pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Not for just any soul, however, but for whatever soul is in most danger of going to Hell—someone who is about to die in mortal sin, or perhaps a dying loved one—so that this soul may be granted, by the mercy of the Lord, the grace of final repentance unto salvation. If this prayer can help open the hearts of the dying just enough to say “yes” to Jesus as they are leaving this world, then it’s all worth it.
The chaplet is based on the power of prayer with faith, and on Jesus’ everlasting love and infinite mercy. “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects” (James 5:16). To pray this chaplet is to help enable a sinner to repent at the last minute, like the Good Thief. Let us be instrumental in winning the grace of final repentance for sinners. “Whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
Thousands of people die every day, and many of them may very well be in a state of sin. We can help at least some of them get to Heaven. What a great and glorious work this is! Imagine, at the end of your life, being greeted in Heaven by numerous souls, all thanking you because the Lord had mercy on them and saved them, since you prayed for them at the hour of their death! What a marvelously rewarding blessing to enjoy for all eternity!
It doesn’t matter that much if you can’t pray the prayer right at 3:00. Do it whenever you can; just do it! Let’s start harvesting souls for the Kingdom of God. He has given us a simple means for co-operating with his grace in this all-important work. Nothing is more important in the eyes of God than the salvation of the souls He created, the souls with whom He desires to share his Heaven. It’s high time we were about our Father’s business. Pray the chaplet every day, and may God reward you!
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (to be prayed using a rosary)
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and the Apostles’ Creed.
2. Then, on the Our Father beads, say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world.
3. On the ten Hail Mary beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
(Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all five decades)
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
If you would like free flyers to distribute with the above message, email me at savesouls2day – at – outlook – dot – com, including your name and mailing address.
Final Hour Mop-Up Ministry 