Jesus' Saving Power to Entire Universe

Divine Appeal Reflection - 141

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 141: "My saving power  must be extended over the entire universe. In Me there is the throne of  mercy and the most wretched are the best welcomed."

One of the most magnificent dimensions of this appeal is its revelation of the immeasurable scope of Christ's saving power. Jesus does not speak merely of individual conversions or isolated acts of grace. He speaks of a salvation that must be extended over the entire universe. This echoes the Father's eternal plan to gather all things in Christ, (cf. Eph 1:9-10) both in heaven and on earth . The redemption accomplished on Calvary (cf. Col 1:15-20) was not a local event but a cosmic intervention touching every dimension of creation . The universe itself groans while awaiting the full manifestation of redemption (cf. Rom 8:19-23). Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through individuals for the sake of multitudes. Abraham's call (cf. Gen 12:1-3) was intended to bless all nations . Joseph's sufferings preserved entire peoples from famine (cf. Gen 45:5-8). Esther's (cf. Est 4:13-16) courage protected a nation from destruction . Christ continues this pattern today.A faithful worker who refuses corruption becomes a witness to God's Kingdom in a culture of dishonesty (cf Col 3:23–24; Mt 5:16). A missionary serving in a forgotten village participates in Christ’s work of drawing souls toward eternal life (cf Mt 28:19–20; Rom 10:14–15). A mother praying the Rosary for her children may be obtaining graces for generations she will never see (cf 2 Tim 1:5; Ps 78:4–7). Even a bedridden sufferer who unites pain with the Cross participates mysteriously in Christ’s redemptive work for the Church and the world (cf Col 1:24; Rom 8:17). Modern society often reduces salvation to a private spiritual experience, yet Jesus reveals a mission as vast as creation itself. His saving power reaches wounded families, discouraged youth, those bound by addiction, communities scarred by violence, institutions weakened by corruption, and hearts that have drifted far from God . It extends to those who have never known Him, those who have abandoned the faith, and those who suffer in silence without hope, for God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth . No person, circumstance, or corner of creation lies beyond the reach of His mercy, for the Heart of Christ continually seeks to redeem, heal, restore, and gather all things into Himself .

A second profound dimension emerges from the words, “In Me there is the throne of mercy.” Human history is driven by thrones of power, wealth, influence, and control, where people compete for recognition and greatness (cf Mk 10:42–45; Gn 3:5–6). Yet these earthly thrones are fragile and pass away, unable to satisfy the deepest hunger of the soul .In contrast, Christ reveals a throne not of domination but of mercy, where the wounded and repentant find access to divine love without fear (cf Heb 4:14–16; Mt 11:28–30). The Cross becomes this throne, where power is revealed as self-giving love and mercy triumphs over judgment . Here, true greatness is not achieved by rising above others, but by kneeling before God and receiving His mercy (cf Phil 2:5–11; Lk 22:26–27). Yet the true throne governing the universe is not built upon force but upon mercy. This mystery runs throughout salvation history. When Moses (cf. Ex 32:30-14; 34:5-9) begged forgiveness for Israel after the golden calf, he encountered a God whose mercy surpassed human expectations . When David (cf. Ps 51:1-17) repented after his grievous sins, he discovered that divine compassion was deeper than his failure . When Jonah resented God's mercy toward Nineveh,(cf. Jon 4:1-11) he was forced to confront a God whose love exceeded human judgments . In Jesus, the throne of mercy becomes visible. It appears in Bethlehem's poverty, where God chose helplessness rather than earthly grandeur (cf. Lk 2:7). It appears in the Eucharist, where the King of Glory hides beneath humble appearances . It appears most powerfully upon the Cross, (cf. Jn 19:25-30) where divine omnipotence reveals itself through self-giving love . Consider how transformative this truth is for modern life. A businessman devastated by bankruptcy, a student ashamed of failure, a parent burdened by past mistakes, a priest discouraged by apparent fruitlessness, or an elderly person haunted by regrets often expects judgment rather than mercy . Even within the Church, the learned, wealthy, or influential may seem more important, yet God looks upon the heart and gives dignity and mission to every soul . The Sacred Heart remains the place where weakness encounters compassion, wounds find healing, and sinners discover that grace is greater than their past . There, all learn to depend entirely on divine mercy and are sent to bring Christ's saving love to those who do not know Him or no longer believe .

Perhaps the most startling declaration in the appeal is that "the most wretched are the best welcomed." Human logic recoils before such a statement. Society naturally honors strength, success, beauty, influence, and achievement. Yet throughout Scripture, God's mercy repeatedly moves toward those most conscious of their poverty. Hannah's tears (cf. 1 Sam 1:9-20) became the birthplace of Samuel's vocation . The widow of Zarephath (cf. 1 Kgs 17:8-16) experienced God's provision amid extreme destitution . Bartimaeus (cf. Mk 10:46-52) received sight because he refused to stop crying out for mercy . The woman caught in adultery (cf. Jn 8:1-11) encountered forgiveness where others offered condemnation . The good thief (cf. Lk 23:39-43) entered paradise with empty hands except trust . The saints understood this mystery deeply.  The Catechism(cf. CCC 2559; Jas 4:6) teaches that humility is the foundation of authentic prayer because it recognizes our need for God . This poverty often wears hidden faces: a husband struggling against addiction (cf. Rom 7:15–25), a parent grieving a child far from faith (cf. Lk 15:11–24), a religious enduring spiritual dryness (cf. Ps 42:1–3), or a person returning to Confession after many years away . Many believe their misery distances them from God. Jesus reveals the opposite (cf. Mk 2:17). The greatest obstacle is not weakness but self-sufficiency (cf. Lk 18:9–14). Those who recognize their need for mercy are already drawing near to the throne of mercy, for Divine Mercy is irresistibly attracted to humble hearts .

This appeal also reveals how Christ extends His saving power through His Mystical Body. The Lord desires to save the world, yet He chooses to work through His Church (cf. 1 Cor 12:12-27; CCC 787-795) and through ordinary souls . This means that every vocation possesses eternal significance. A contemplative nun hidden behind monastery walls participates in the salvation of souls she will never meet. A father teaching his children to pray extends Christ's kingdom within the domestic church (cf. CCC 1655-1658). A nurse caring for dying patients becomes an instrument of divine compassion. A teacher who patiently forms consciences contributes to the building of God's kingdom. An elderly widow faithfully offering prayers for priests may be sustaining vocations on another continent. Scripture repeatedly reveals the hidden power of intercession. Moses (cf. Ex 32:11-14) stood between Israel and destruction . Job's prayers brought restoration to his friends (cf. Job 42:10). The Blessed Virgin (cf. Jn 19:26-27) continues to intercede maternally for the Church . Modern culture often measures influence by visibility, yet God's economy values hidden fidelity. Nothing united to Jesus is ever wasted, even when it feels small, hidden, or forgotten, because Christ receives every act of love into His own saving work . The Church is quietly sustained by these unseen offerings, where ordinary people become part of something larger than themselves without even realizing it . In this way, every vocation—simple or hidden—becomes a living channel of God’s mercy in the world .

At the highest mystical level, this appeal reveals the final destiny of the entire universe: all things are being drawn toward the merciful Heart of Christ. History is not moving randomly. Beneath wars, confusion, suffering, and human rebellion, God's plan continues unfolding toward its fulfillment in Christ (cf. Eph 1:10; Rev 21:1-5). The pierced Heart opened on Calvary remains the spiritual center of history (cf. Jn 19:34). From that Heart flow the sacraments, the Church, grace, mercy, and the hope of eternal life . Every Mass participates in this mystery. Every confession renews it. Every act of trust allows its power to penetrate another soul. The saints gradually discovered that heaven itself is the eternal triumph of mercy. Peter, who denied Christ, will praise mercy forever (cf. Jn 21:15-19). Augustine, once lost in sin, will praise mercy forever. Mary Magdalene, Paul, and countless redeemed souls will eternally proclaim the victory of grace. The Book of Revelation (cf. Rev 5:9-14) presents heaven as a vast assembly united in worship around the Lamb who redeemed humanity . This is the ultimate meaning of the appeal. The saving power of Jesus seeks every soul, the throne of mercy remains open, and the most wretched continue to be welcomed. One day the entire universe will recognize that the greatest force governing history was never power, wealth, or human achievement, but the infinite mercy flowing from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, extend Your saving power throughout the entire universe and into every hidden corner of our hearts. Draw sinners, heal the wounded, strengthen the weak, and welcome the most wretched to Your throne of mercy. Make us faithful instruments of Your saving love until all creation rejoices in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.