Habakkuk 3:1-10. "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet." In his prayer, Habakkuk says that he has heard of the Lord's works and power, and he fears them, but he also asks the Lord to make them known. He only asks that in his wrath, God remember his mercy. Then he describes God's works in his wrath. God comes from Teman and Mount Paran - his glory covering the heavens. His brightness is like the light - rays flash from his hands, but his power is veiled. Before him comes pestilence and plague. The earth shakes, as do all the nations. He stands and measures the earth and the mountains and hills are scattered or brought low. The tents of Cushan and the lands of Midian tremble in affliction and fear. The rivers and seas seem stirred up by his wrath as he rides his chariot of victory, putting arrows to the string of his bow, as rivers cleave the earth.

Sometimes I feel like God is asking me "Do you get it yet?" when I get these readings! And yes, I do! How can I keep getting such clear messages and not get it? The nations are being shaken, pestilence has gone forward, the people are trembling in fear and affliction. I see it, many people do, it is impossible to deny what is happening unless you are really clinging to your blinders.

So, okay, I see it - what am I supposed to do about it? Why does he keep telling me this? I think so that I can help people get ready. So I can help them turn towards his mercy in these trying times. The destruction is necessary - a purging cleansing is the only thing that can combat the evil we are facing right now. But, although we will all suffer in this cleansing, those of us who have faith can be like Habakkuk and, while we fear, also understand what is happening and ask him to remember his mercy. Habakkuk is afraid and does not want to experience what he knows is coming, but he also asks for it. "[T]hy work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years renew it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy."

God will remember mercy - that is what he and this are all about. Jesus told Saint Faustina that the time of mercy would draw to a close, and that would be a sign of the end times. That is why he made her the Apostle of His Divine Mercy, the messenger to the world urging people to turn to his mercy before the time of judgment comes. I think we are at the beginning of the end of the time of mercy. But God's mercy is so strong, and he wants us in heaven so badly, that he will reach out in the midst of this cleansing to each of us, calling us back to him in one last, mighty, and illuminating plea to accept his mercy.

Those of us who see what's happening and what's coming can get others ready to accept this when it happens to them. That is how we help Jesus and St. Faustina in the mission of the Divine Mercy.