Have you ever forgotten God’s mercy? Are you struggling to believe in His mercy right now? We’ve all experienced times where we felt beyond God’s forgiveness. From battling grave sins to wrestling with scrupulosity, it’s all too easy to become our own accuser. In the shadows of our despair, we hide from the streams of mercy which pour forth from Christ’s Sacred heart. When we hear Him plead “trust in me,” our shame and pride push us further into the darkness. But those unwavering streams of light reach out to us, like a hand extended into the gloom.
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
This simple prayer, known as the Divine Mercy Chaplet, helps us to reach back and grasp the hand of God in return. Those who are dedicated to the chaplet are familiar with the soothing waves of mercy washing over them as they fully trust in his infinite love. Instructed by Jesus to St. Faustina in 1935, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is a powerful testament of His constant presence and endless capacity for forgiveness.
At Litany, we wanted to create a scarf that served as a tangible reminder of his promise of mercy, encouraging wearers to run to his Sacred Heart. We also hope the scarf encourages the wearer to unite their daily joys and sorrows to Christ as an offering to the Father.
The Symbolism of The Divine Mercy Scarf
We designed the scarf with red and blue flowers, meant to mirror the red and blue beams shooting from Christ’s heart in the famous Divine Mercy image.
The dark, gloomy backdrop of the scarf represents the state of our internal self and the world, discouraged by sin.
The edges of the scarf are outlined with the prayer repeated throughout the Divine Mercy Chaplet: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Clusters of white baby’s breath flowers symbolize everlasting love and are to resemble the foam that comes from waves crashing to shore reflecting the opening prayer of the Divine Mercy Chaplet: “You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the 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.”
The red peonies in the scarf reflect Christ’s Passion and resemble His Sacred Heart with deeper tones of red and maroon. These are fittingly nestled near the fiery poppy anemones that point to the flames of the Sacred Heart which burn with love and mercy for the world. Poppy anemones are nicknamed “windflower” or “daughters of the wind” which additionally reflect the Holy Spirit who makes His presence known in scripture through tongues of fire and the wind. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our need for mercy.
Bluebells are a symbol of humility which reflect that of Christ’s human nature as He revealed His mercy through his ministry on earth. We are called to put on humility by making ourselves as little children (Matthew 18:3) to receive the bounty of Christ’s mercy without hesitation.
St. Faustina wrote in her diary of the spiritual warfare she faced. The deep contrasts between the highlights and shades within the flowers represents the glimpses of consolation given during spiritual warfare. Though all might seem as darkness, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). God’s mercy goes beyond His justice; through this we have hope and hide in His heart.
At Litany, it is our goal to create beautiful items which aid your spiritual life! We hope this scarf is more than just a pretty accessory, but something that encourages you to rest in Christ’s mercy and seek out His love daily.
