During his life, St. Dionysius was acquainted with a certain Bishop named Carpus. Carpus told the saint of a personal experience which was unforgettable to say the least. The incident is as follows:

A certain Catholic had fallen away from the Faith by the influence of an infidel. When Bishop Carpus found out of this bitter betrayal against God, it made him very angry. In his misplaced zeal, the enraged bishop went so far as to pray for the immediate death of those sinners, so they could no longer offend God!

But as Carpus prayed, he was given a vision. Up above, he saw Christ on His throne, surrounded by angels. Down below was a deep abyss filled with serpents. On the slippery edge of this terrible chasm stood two men, pale, trembling, and extremely miserable. Carpus at once recognized them as the wretches he wished would die.

The bishop returned his glance toward the heavens. He watched Christ, His Face filled with pity, rise from His throne and come down to these men, reaching out His hand to help them. The Angels also came to assist them in their distress.

This was not at all what Carpus expected to see! Certainly those wretches deserved nothing better than to fall right into hell! Why help them?

But Jesus, turning to the bishop, gently answered him:

"I am ready to suffer again for man’s salvation, provided that he sin no more. And do you prefer that they should burn in the abyss, rather than enjoy the company of God and of the good and compassionate Angels?"

Those two guilty souls were in desperate need of being saved from the horrible fate they deserved. To prevent this eternal loss, these sinners needed to repent; to change their ways for the better. This precious miracle would require powerful graces to obtain it; such graces that are only earned by prayer and sacrifice.

Jesus’ words to Carpus, which moved the bishop deeply, are addressed to all those who love God. Jesus desires prayers for the sinners’ salvation… not damnation. He yearns to pardon the contrite sinner; and thus He asks His friends to help obtain, not prevent, their conversion.

As we begin this penitential season of Lent, let us then remember the countless souls whom Jesus loves dearly throughout the world; souls for whose salvation He is "ready to suffer again". As incredible as it is true, our prayers and sacrifices can be critical in saving sinners for all eternity! Place your daily offerings in the powerful hands of Mary and the compassionate Holy Angels, that they may use it to rescue the wayward sinners. Then, imagine the joy it will give Jesus to see the immense good you have done for the love of Him and the salvation of the souls He so dearly loves!