Divine Mercy And The Lord Of The Rings
By: G. Dolf Olorin
Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. In Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska’s Diary “Divine Mercy in My Soul” the Lord tells her: “Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy”. (St. Faustina’s Diary, 699)
What are the consequences of the smallest among us giving mercy? The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is a catechism of sorts to a lost generation. In the Fellowship of the Ring’s chapter "The Shadow of the Past" Gandalf discusses “Mercy” and its consequences:
‘“Frodo: “What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!”
“Gandalf: “Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need.”
“Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end; and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many - yours not least.””
The words of Jesus Christ to St. Faustina (Diary, 699) are the complete teaching:
"On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy."
