The Divine Mercy image (above) contains several important elements, as follows:
1. Our Lord, Jesus, ordered Saint Faustina to paint the image. This is the account:
Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory (Diary, 47, 48). I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You (327). I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (47).
Think of the many promises the Lord gave in that account. What incredible Mercy He has. It is wise to say the short prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you,” throughout your days.
2. The two rays (in the image) denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him (299). By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works (742).
These truths are a mini-gospel, in that it reminds of the blood Christ shed for us and they remind us of when the lance thrust into Jesus’ side, with water pouring forth.
3. Jesus’ right hand is raised in blessing.
4. The Divine Mercy image reveals to us God’s mercy and that His mercy is greater than our sins. Do not fear approaching the Lord in repentance.