The Church is many things, but one of its best attributes is that it is a place for thinkers. Theology, the study of God, is one of the most complex subjects in the expanse of human understanding. Its object is not the secrets of the animal kingdom, the building blocks of the universe, or the next big thing. It is the quiet contemplation of truth, itself.

We all benefit from these great thinkers who have spooled out nearly every aspect of Scripture, Traditional, and doctrine. To be sure, there are still areas that are beyond the limits of the human intellect, but for those depths that have been plumbed are great treasures.

Divine Mercy is one of these areas. A newer area of theological inquiry, Jesus’ apparitions to St. Faustina in the early 20th century reflect God’s intense desire to reveal more deeply this aspect of His nature. The timing could not have been more perfect. In the time between two world wars in less than a generation, and the atrocities that were committed, what better time in salvation history was there to remind humanity of the depths of God’s mercy?

In those apparitions, Jesus used specific language to try to communicate how far this mercy reaches. He described unfathomable depths, and mercy that flows out in torrents. Those are not words that we use frequently; they’re almost like trying to think about how deep the ocean is, or the expanse of space.

We rely on God’s mercy to overcome our frailties in hope of obtaining all that He has promised. It is a gift of love and friendship offered by a loving Father to His children, and is for all who have the courage and hope to accept.