Divine Mercy for the World (2010) by Stephen B. Whatley
Oil on Canvas - 30" x 24" / 76 cm x 61cm
Divine Mercy for The World (2010) by Stephen B Whatley on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
By Stephen B. Whatley
Divine Mercy Sunday was celebrated in 2010 on April 11, the first week after Easter in the Catholic calender.
The message of the overflowing Mercy that Jesus offers to those who have trust; and to all of us with the greatest of sins to our name, was vividly given, through visitations to a Polish nun Sister Faustina (1905-1938) relatively recently; during the 20th Century. This humble woman of faith was canonized as St Faustina in 2000, by Pope John Paul II.
Sister Faustina kept a detailed journal (A Diary: "Divine Mercy in My Soul") first published in 1981; and on February 22, 1931 she recorded in her diary: 'I saw Jesus dressed in a white garment. He held one hand raised in blessing and the other hand was touching his garment at the breast. From under the garment came two rays of light, one red, one pale.'
by Stephen B. Whatley
She goes on to record that Jesus said 'paint a picture according to the vision you see and with the signature, Jesus I Trust in You...' She went on to find an artist to help create a portrait to these instructions; as have subsequent artists, including myself - through three interpretations in 2002, 2007 and in 2009; that can all be seen on the site of Flickr.com in the Christian Set.
Sister Faustina asked Jesus what the rays signified. He said: 'The rays represent the Blood and Water which gushed forth from the depths of my Mercy when My agonising Heart was pierced on the cross. The pale rays signify the water, which cleanses and purifies the soul; the red rays represent the blood which gives new life to the soul - rays shielding the soul before the justice of My Father...'
The message of Jesus through St Faustina is clear: devotion to the Divine Mercy is universal and open to all; in His words, 'Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins may be scarlet'.
This year I felt compelled to paint a new interpretation in celebration of this Divine Mercy; and through deep prayer felt a conception growing; a realisation that I must include the world within the painting.
In a way my painting reflects an important prayer given to St Faustina by Jesus; that can be said at the Hour of Mercy, 3 PM - for the needs of oneself or others:
'You expired Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls and an ocean of Mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I Trust in You, Jesus I trust in You.'
I have personally experienced mercy - even miracles - through prayer and trusting in Jesus for help no matter what this life might deliver; and never feel alone.
"Jesus I Trust in Thee"
Peace.
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The following background information can be read on the website of Stephen B. Whatley:
His work is in numerous private collections in Denmark, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and the U.S.A.; and in public collections, including the BBC, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and Taylor Woodrow Property Company Ltd.
The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been the subject of features in The Guardian, Guardian Weekend magazine, HELLO! magazine, MAJESTY magazine, Metro London Newspaper, The Sunday Express, The Daily Telegraph, The London Times newspaper, TIME magazine and USA TODAY; and the 2006 book, Marilyn In Art.
In February 2010 one of Stephen’s paintings of Jesus Christ will be published on the cover of the book, The Historical Jesus: Five Views (SPCK Publishing).
Copyright 2010 Stephen B. Whatley
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Visit the following link to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
