The concluding prayer of [Litany of Divine Mercy](https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/litany-to-the-divine-mercy-263) goes like this: >Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, .... When we say that God's mercy is endless, it implies that we require sufficient capacity to absorb from the boundless ocean of mercy. But then, what is the significance of praying that God may increase his mercy on us? How do Catholic scholars explain the prayer?

In John 19:34, it says: >“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” This moment has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history and theology. In some devotional contexts, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, the outpouring of blood and water from Christ’s side is seen as a profound symbol of Divine Mercy - often connected with the sacraments (e.g., Eucharist and Baptism) and the birth of the Church. My question is: **Is the blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ side traditionally understood as an expression of God’s mercy? If so, how is this understanding supported theologically or doctrinally within Christian traditions (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant perspectives)?**

An answer was given from the Orthodox perspective to a question about contemplative prayer, regarding their practice of hesychasm. The stated goals were noble, with much Scriptural support. My question is in regard to the Jesus prayer. Humility is of course required of us as we approach the God Who dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). The Jesus prayer states this: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" It is repeated over and over in an attempt to be like the publican in humility. I have, in fact, repeated this same prayer in my heart many times. But does it not in actuality represent doubt, not faith? Do Orthodox Christians believe that Christ's death has already exemplified His mercy to us, and that our role is to simply believe and receive that truth in our hearts, and then live accordingly? In other words, do we need to continually ask for mercy, or is it just a reminder of the mercy that we have already been shown?

Do souls in hell have any hope for the forgiveness of their sins? According to Catholic teachings, once a person died, there are 3 places where a soul can be placed: hell, purgatory and heaven. At the time of death, if a soul will be judged and damned to hell, is it possible to be in friendship or be reconciled with God again? What about the Final Judgement where there could be repentance and prayers for these souls in hell?

According to [Psalms 63:4](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/63) in the NAB: > For your love is better than life; my lips shall ever praise you! Now, according to the commentary contained therein: *For your love is better than life: only here in the Old Testament is anything prized above life--in this case God’s love.* Does anyone know if this is gloss is true? That is, is there another instance in the Old Testament where something is considered to be *better than life*? Because of some other (questionable) commentary I have seen in the NAB, I am skeptical; and so, I am posing this question. Also, it seems that the words "love" and "mercy" may be interchangeable, as the word "mercy" is used in place of the word "love" in the Douay-Rheims Bible--Psalm 62 (Vulgate numbering).

[Father Chris Alar](https://marian.org/marians/meet/chris-alar) a Marian father who does a great job of promoting Divine Mercy devotion mentioned on the [US Grace Force podcast](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WwNwbQkmF3ozcBGO4EKMe?si=7e54346347fa4c19) that the Missals saying "2nd Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday" was a mistranslation, that there's not an option and that everyone is supposed to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. That the "or" that we've seen in recent missals should be translated "namely". Are there any other instances of feast days (especially Feasts celebrating God) that are optional? Do they use the same wording, are there any other feasts that use the word "or" which are not optional?