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II B.15 The Blessing of Suffering for the Conversion of Souls (Diary, # 1357, 961)
(15.1) Suffering Sets a Soul to be an “Instrument” for the Conversion of Souls 160
(Diary, # 1357): It seemed to be that Sr. Faustina was favored with being able to sense
Jesus’ sufferings when people were not in the state of grace. Thus, when she was passing by a
group of people and did not sense the Lord’s sufferings as usual; she asked Him if they were all
in the state of grace. Jesus responded in this way, “Because you do not feel My sufferings, it does
not follow that they must all be in the state of grace. At times, I allow you to be aware of the
condition of certain souls, and give you the grace of suffering solely because I use you as the
instrument of their conversion” (Diary, # 1357).
(15.2) Suffering Sealed with Holy Obedience Wins the Conversion of Souls 161
(Diary, # 961): One morning, after Sr. Faustina was finished with her spiritual exercises;
as she started to crochet, she sensed a beautiful, quiet peacefulness, which tipped her that Jesus
was resting in her heart. This prompted her to pray to the Most Holy Trinity residing in her heart
to petition for the conversion of as many souls as she could stitch that day. But, Jesus cautioned
her interiorly, “My daughter, too great are your demands” (Diary, # 961). She countered that
while on earth, despite their tiny gifts, Jesus granted the souls big rather than small favors. Jesus
responded, “That is so, it is less difficult for me to grant a soul much, rather than little, but every
conversion of a sinful soul demands sacrifice” (Diary, # 961). She then unreservedly offered her
humble needlework to Jesus. She explained that it was all she could offer to Him as she was
under holy obedience to her Superiors not to engage in stirring mortifications or penances. Her
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161
Ibid., Faustina, Diary, # 1357.
Ibid., Faustina, Diary, # 961.
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