Do you want God or not? June 2, 2011 Message to Mirjana

Message to Mirjana – June 2, 2011

Look into your hearts dear children....

Dear children,

As I call you to prayer for those who have not come to know the love of God, if you were to look into your hearts you would comprehend that I am speaking about many of you. With an open heart, sincerely ask yourselves if you want the Living God or do you want to eliminate Him and live as you want.

Look around you, my children, and see where the world is going, the world that thinks of doing everything without the Father, and which wanders in the darkness of temptation. I am offering to you the light of the Truth and the Holy Spirit. According to God’s plan I am with you to help you to have my Son, His Cross and Resurrection, triumph in your hearts. As a mother, I desire and pray for your unity with my Son and His works. I am with you; you decide. Thank you.

This is a serious message my friends. I have written on many occasions explaining that everybody is an unbeliever in one way or another. When we lack faith, we are an unbeliever. Today Our Lady is affirming these words. It boils down to do you want God in your life or not. Plain and simple.

We do not comprehend the great grace that has been given to us in this time. Our lady has been with us for 30 years this month. Many of us grew up with her and nothing different that being with her in the world. it is almost a whole lifetime for most.

But Our Lady made it very clear at one time when she said, “when I am gone, you will lament for the message…”

What little importance do we give to her in this time.

How many realize that the sin in this world is so severe that we as a human race are unworthy of the goodness of God in our life. Jesus told St. Faustina that we could not even accept His grace if it weren’t for His love for His creatures, and special help from Him. And here again, the Lord in His goodness has sent His Mother to the earth to warn the people for the LAST TIME.

God keeps bringing to my heart the days of Noah. I do not like to be what many call a dooms dayer, but truth must be spoken here. The day of Justice is near. And by the tone of the Mother of God in this message, and the signs that are being given in the world, there is no doubt there is something looming for the world. What we are experiencing in natural disasters today is nothing and but a small taste of what is to come.

Our Lady said above…“Look around you and see where the world is going…”

Isn’t it obvious? The world is spiraling down into a cesspool of slimy filth. But remember, just like in the days of Noah, the people we still making merry and mocking those who believed until the day Noah entered the Ark, and the doors were closed. And they all perished in the flood.

God is offering a New Ark to His people for this time and for this generation. She is a refuge of Hope with the Ark of the New Covenant; the Mother of God. She once said in my prayer, that “all good things pass through her hands“. It takes wisdom to understand these words.

To keep it simple however, just look at the picture of Our Lady of Grace, and the rays that pour forth from her hands. She is the vessel and worthy spouse of the Holy Spirit. Every grace, every treasure from Heaven, every gift from God passes through her as if she were the bridge to heaven. Jesus once described the abyss that separates God and the Creatures. In this abyss His mercy fills the chasm, but we forget who was there at the cross with him praying.

I once prayed about this, and I saw in the abyss the crucified Christ who was suffering in great agony, and blood was pouring from His wounds upon the earth as the Father was above Him looking only at His Son. But beneath the Lord was Our Lady off to the side. As the Lord agonized all the more in His suffering rays of light burst forth from His wounds and poured out as if filling up the Mother of God, and through Her hands the rays were filled with color that fell upon the earth, and the world lit up like the sun.

He explains the difference here, as through His blood we have been saved, but we forget the cost and the price He paid for our sins, as atonement to the Father in the perfect sacrifice. This justice will have to be addressed in the final day to the Father, if we have not taken the cost of our salvation with seriousness. St. Paul said one must discern the body and his sins before receiving the perfect sacrifice of the altar in the Eucharist. And it is a fact that men receive the Eucharist who never confess their sins, or habitual sinners and taking the Lord for granted.

But with Our Lady in this image with Jesus Crucified, the sacrifice of Jesus united with her suffering softens the just anger of God. For the mother loves her children, her people, and has accepted her vocation in its fullness, and desires to bring the blessing of her Son no matter how bad or disobedient her children are. She wants to clothe them in her grace, redress them, clean them up, to make them presentable to the loving Father.

But my friends, guess what we are doing, when we do not accept this grace from Heaven and do not put to life her messages, or as the Blessed Mother just said “do not choose God’s way in this time”?

We are shoving the holy Mother aside as if to say she is not important enough, and boldly approach His Majesty, the King, the Almighty God alone without an advocate to come to our aide. And the ancient custom for this was death! WOE TO THE ONE WHO IGNORES HIS MOTHER!

This is a gift from heaven dear people of God, and those who claim to be God’s people. How would it be for you if you handed a gift to someone and they looked at you in the eyes, and threw the gift aside and said, “Oh, that’s nice…” and then just put it on the shelf or throw it away, ignoring the giver of the gift, and what was in the box!

Do we realize what we are doing? Stupid, stupid people! Wake up!

Why can’t we see this my friends. Why do we choose to ignore the abomination of sin and do nothing about it and remain silent? What is wrong with us?

Many may say that they go to confession, and are living out their faith in the best way. I see and hear this all the time. And I see at the same time the same people boasting in themselves because they are in their “own eyes” proudly living their faith. And I see the same people judging others because they are not like them.

But to hear these words of the Mother of God, it is not enough to talk about the faith or study the faith, it must be lived. There is a level of conversion she wants to bring us to, and she is very FIRM IN HER WORDS, THIS GENERATION OF PEOPLE ARE NOT THERE YET, as much as we like to think we are. And this generation is not speaking out boldly against sin.

We need to hear our priests preach the gospel. Not just tell stories that have nothing to do with the gospel. Jesus said PREACH THE GOSPEL dear apostles. We the lay need to be fed the living Word of God. Preach it boldly! And call sin what it is, SIN! Sin is an abomination to God. God hates sin…loves the sinner but hates sin. Jesus was kind, but when sin was committed He called it out, and shut it down! Then families can take what is preached into the home, and teach these children to be children of God. There is no more room for error. We all have a part in this plan. It’s time to buck up and walk the talk!

The human race is at emnity with its Creator, and is choosing to be its own God. You heard it above from the Mother herself, who of course does not speak on her own, but is sent from God to convey the Word.

It is sickening to me to see how people react when I bring up Medjugorje. Some say they want to wait until the Church approves it. For you dear friends who think this way…I will say to you boldly – it will be too late! The Blessed Mother has made that very clear. She said, “DO NOT WAIT, FOR THE UNBELIEVERS IT WILL BE TOO LATE.” If you choose to wait, and not to believe, you are counted among this number that she speaks of as “unbeliever.” There is no gray here. It will be too late.

Do we know that the apparitions of Rue de Bac have never been approved by the Church to this day, but we all still wear the miraculous medals? Are you still waiting for the approval of this? But the visionary St. Catherine was made a saint, the medal was struck in her time, and it was worn, and miracles occurred.

A Cardinal just recently said, that the pastoral plan of the Mother of God is not always the same as the Theological plan of the Church; (Lourdes for example). But the Church did adapt the plan, and still today people still come to Lourdes France right?

Today the pastoral service of the Church is to serve the people of God and help support pilgrims coming to Medjugorje. He said that Blessed Mother is giving practical guidelines to living out the Christian vocation. And that the Mother of God is THE PERFECT THEOLOGIAN. He affirmed that the Church cannot exclude Medjugorje but provide the pastoral support that it needs. These apparitions will not be approved until the apparitions cease or a visionary dies. Neither of these have happened yet. Cardinal Schonborn advised that God’s people need to be patient as God has been patient with us for these 30 years.

Parishes and diocese should help give pastoral support to those called to go to Medjugorje. This is declared from the Church.

Well, is God’s patience running thin? I think we only need to hear this message and practically think, YES IS THE APPROPRIATE WORD! I can see my self in this parental role telling my own child, when I have had enough of the antics boldly saying to them. Here it is. This is your choice right now. You either decide to do such and such or not. If you do not, I cannot help you and you are on your own. If you do what I suggest, then I can help you this way. From there, the child needs to decide.

This is where the Mother of God has left it for you. Not for the one next door, not for the one in the other city. It is for you dear reader. You decide.

The apostles taught about what Jesus was going to do to the Lawless one. This is the one who does not live the Law “the Commandments of God.” But is one who puts himself above the law, declaring he is a god, who in truth comes from satan. If we are seeing in truth, I think we can recognize many lawless ones in our midst who are declaring their own laws for the people. But the Lord will kill them with His breath. This same scripture says, that those who in alliance with this lawless one, the Lord has sent upon them a deceiving spirit that they would believe the lie. (2 Thes. 2)

Do we see what is happening here? The Blessed Mother says she is bringing with her the Spirit of Truth, that is the Holy Spirit that Jesus spoke of in John 14 and 15. She wants us to have the truth and to see the truth. Jesus said the world does not know the truth, but when the Holy Spirit comes He will convict the world in truth and remind us of all that He taught us.

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. Today marks the beginning of the novena to the Holy Spirit, for the Day of Pentecost. My dear friends. beg the Father to send the Holy Spirit of Truth. We need it more than ever! And offer a Fast and renunciation that He may come to your spirit house in your body, that you may be a fit sacrifice to God. Ave Maria!

Come Holy Spirit, come!

“Christ’s call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. The “second conversion” is an uninterrupted task for the whole Church who ‘clasping sinners to her bosom is at once holy and always in need of purification, and follows constantly the path of penance and renewal. This endeavor of conversion is not just a human work. It is the movement of a ‘contrite heart’ drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God who loved us first.” (CCC 1428, Ps. 51:17, Jn.6:44, 12:32, 1 Jn. 4:10)

Coming out of the Desert-Passion Week Reflections

Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me

Our Lady once said in Medjugorje, “Great is the love of God. I repeat Great is His love…” This coming week we will walk with the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary as we enter into Holy Week, mindful of the Passion of the Lord.

Take time this week to go into solitude and silence, and reflect in deep contemplation the mystery of man’s redemption.

These reflections are the beginning of the way of the Cross, and through the week, I will post the remaining reflections to complete the Passion of the Lord. Let us never forget all that the Lord has done for us. For we have been purchased at the price of His blood.

Remember also, Our Lady never left his side on the way of the Cross. She is always with us as well in our times of trial and stuggles.

At the cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last…

Opening reflection:
“Dear children! Rejoice with me in this time of spring when all nature is awakening and your hearts long for change. Open yourselves, little children and pray. Do not forget that I am with you and I desire to take you all to my Son and He may give you the gift of sincere love towards God and everything that is from Him. Open yourselves to prayer and seek a conversion of your hearts from God; everything else He sees and provides. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (4/25/02)

Day 1 – “The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward.” (Mt. 26:59-60)

Jesus: “Do not be surprised that you are sometimes unjustly accused. I myself first drank this cup of undeserved suffering for love of you (289). When I was before Herod, I obtained a grace for you; namely that you would be able to rise above human scorn and follow faithfully in my footsteps.”

Blessed Mother: “I am teaching you love and I am showing you that the dear Father has loved you…He sacrificed His Son for your salvation, my children. I am leading you children towards love, towards the dear Father. I am leading you toward eternal life. Eternal life is my Son. Accept him and you will have accepted love.”

St. Faustina: We are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back without taking any regard as to whether it is God’s will that we should speak. A slient soul is strong; no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God.

Songs 4:11, Songs 1:1-2, Songs 2:8, Songs 4:16

Day 2 – “Pilate took Jesus and had Him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on His head, and clothed Him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail King of the Jews!” So Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. Pilate said to them, ‘behold the man!’ When the chief priests and the guards saw Him, they cried out, ‘crucify Him!’” (John 19:1-6)

Jesus – “Do not be afraid of sufferings, I am with you. The more you will come to love suffering the purer your love for me will be.”

Blessed Mother: “I am always with you, and do not be afraid of temptations because God is always watching over us. Also I have given myself to you and I sympathize with you even in the smallest temptation.”

St. Faustina: Jesus, I thank you for the little daily crosses, for opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of communal life, for the misinterpretation of my intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for self denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my plans…

Songs 5:1, Rev. 21:2, Gen. 3:1-5, Rev. 12:13-17

Day 3 – “We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon Him the guilt of us all…” (Is. 53:6, 12)

Jesus: “Involuntary offenses of souls do not hinder my love for them or prevent me from uniting myself with them. But voluntary offenses, even the smallest obstruct my graces and I cannot lavish my gifts on such souls.” (1641).

Blessed Mother: “I call all of you to decide for holiness. May for you little children, always in your thoughts and in such situations holiness be in the first place, in work and in speech. In this way you will also put it into practice; little by little, step by step prayer and a decision for holiness will enter your family. Be sure with yourselves and do not bind yourselves to material things but to God.”

St. Faustina: My Jesus, despite your graces, I see and feel all my misery O my Jesus how prone I am to evil, and this forces me to be constantly vigilant. But I do not lose heart. I trust God’s grace, which abounds in the worst misery.

Lk. 1:30, Ps. 19:5-6, Songs 8:6

Day 4 – “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And you yourself a sword will pierce…” (Lk. 2:34-35)

Jesus: “Although all the works that come into being by My will are exposed to great sufferings, consider whether any of them has been subject to greater difficulties than that work which is directly mine – the work of redemption. You should not worry too much about adversities.” (1643)

Blessed Mother: “I thank you for every sacrifice you have offered. And now I urge you to offer every sacrifice with love. I wish you, the helpless ones to begin helping with confidence and the Lord will keep on giving to you in confidence…(Queen of Peace)

“I am Mother to you all, thanks to the unfathomable mercy of God. Most pleasing to me is that soul which faithfully carries out the will of God. Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the passion of my Son, and in this way you will be victorious…” (1643)

St. Faustina; Mary, Mother of Mercy be near me always, especially in suffering as you were on your Son’s way of the cross.

Eph. 3:17-19, Eph. 5:21, Hos. 2:21-22

Day 5 – “As they led Him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus…” (Lk. 23:26)
Jesus: “Write that by day and by night My gaze is fixed upon him, and I permit these adversities in order to increase your merit. I do not reward for good results but for the patience and hardships undergone for my sake.” (86)

Blessed Mother: “I wish to tell you to open your hearts to the Master of all hearts. Give me all your feelings and all your problems! I wish to comfort you in all your trials. I wish to fill you with peace, joy and love of God.”

St. Faustina: “Jesus, you do not give a reward for the successful performance of a work, but for the good will and the labor undertaken. Therefore, I am completely at peace, even if all my undertakings and efforts should be thwarted or should come to naught. If I do all that is in my power, the rest is not my business.”

Hos. 2:16, Songs 2:13-14, Luke 1:46-55, John 19:26-27

Day 6 – “He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth there was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, no appearance that would attract us to him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity. One of those from whom men hide their faces spurned, and we held him in no esteem.” (Is. 53:2-3)

Jesus: “Know that whatever good you do to any soul, I accept it as if you had done it to me.” (1768)

Blessed Mother: “I see that you are tired. I wish to support you in your effort, to take you in my arms so that you may be close to me. I give you my heart; accept it. I wish to be constantly with you, with the heart.”

St. Faustina: I am learning how to be good from Jesus, from Him who is goodness itself, so that I may be called a child of the Heavenly Father (669). Great love can change small things into great ones, and it is only love which lends value to our actions. (303)

2 Cor. 12:9, Gal. 5:22-23, Rev. 22:17, Is. 55:1

Day 7 Review

Pope John Paul II, – Medjugorje, Its The Spiritual Heart of the World

Pope John Paul II “Medjugorje – The Spiritual Heart of the World”
by admin on March 16, 2010
By Daniel Klimek, March 13, 2010

Pope John Paul II once powerfully observed, “Today’s world has lost its sense of the supernatural, but many are searching for it –and find it in Medjugorje, through prayer, penance, and fasting.” The late pontiff and future saint, his holiness, spoke these words on August 1, 1989,while addressing a group of Italian physicians studying the apparitions in Medjugorje with medical and scientific investigations.

It is no secret within Rome that John Paul II absolutely loved Medjugorje, once even acquiring the nickname “Protector of Medjugorje” within the Vatican. Even eminent American intellectuals were no strangers to this reality. The great Franciscan intellectual, Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, himself an investigator of supernatural phenomena, once admitted about John Paul II in a revealing interview: “I can tell you for a fact that the pope loves Medjugorje from afar and would go there in a minute if the theologians would let him.”

While it is known that the late Polish pope never personally visited Medjugorje, what is less known is that throughout the last two decades of his life Pope John Paul II held personal meetings and correspondences with Medjugorje visionaries, Medjugorje priests, even Medjugorje inner locutionaries, and numerous pro-Medjugorje bishops. His enthusiasm and love for Medjugorje’s mystics was overwhelming and filled with abundant respect and a joyful beauty overcome with hope. One such example is when Medjugorje visionary, Mirjana Dragicevic Soldo, met with John Paul II. She once shared the details behind this poignant, and somewhat humorous, encounter while addressing a group of pilgrims:

“I personally had a such a great honor to be able to speak with late Pope John Paul II. That was so beautiful. I was in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome with all other pilgrims. Pope as he was walking by, he was blessing everybody. He blessed me and just walked away. And then this Italian priest I was with said ‘Holy Father, this is Mirjana from Medjugorje.’ He came back, blessed me again and he left. And I said to this priest, ‘Father, you see he just thinks that I need a double blessing’ [laughter]. However, in the afternoon we received an invitation tomorrow morning to come to Castelgondolfo, close to Rome in order to talk to Holy Father. I don’t have to tell you that I couldn’t sleep all night. Tomorrow when I reached the place, he saw that I was so excited. We were alone and then he started talking to me in Polish. He thought I would understand because both are Slavic languages. He wanted to make me feel comfortable but I didn’t understand a word because it’s not even close to our language. However, I was crying and I couldn’t catch a breath to say a word. So when I finally succeeded to say a word, I said ‘Holy Father, can we try in Italian ?’ [laughter].

*Then we talked and among other things he said to me, ‘If I were not Pope, I would be in Medjugorje a long time ago. I know everything, I have been following everything. Ask pilgrims to pray for my intentions. And take good care of Medjugorje because Medjugorje is the hope for the entire world………….’ ”

Beyond such personal words of encouragement and trust for the visionaries and the fruits of faith at Medjugorje, Pope John Paul II frequently displayed his appreciation in officially signed papal blessings as well. Two such official blessings were given by John Paul II to Fr. Jozo Zovko, O.F.M., the pastor in St. James Church at Medjugorje when the apparitions began, and to Vicka Ivankovic, one of the Medjugorje visionaries who still receives daily apparitions. Vicka, like Mirjana, has also personally met with the Holy Father in Rome, exchanging gifts and warm sentiments of faith. The official blessing she received from the late pope hangs on her wall, beautifully framed, in her home.

Fr. Jozo met with Pope John Paul II in 1992, in the midst of the wars in the former Yugoslavia. John Paul II’s words to Fr. Jozo were striking: “I am with you, protect Medjugorje! Protect Our Lady’s messages!” The passion and urgency of the Holy Father’s words for the protection of Medjugorje make clear how much the holy site, as to millions of Catholics, meant to him.

That Our Lady is appearing in Medjugorje, the Holy Father had little doubt about. The papal blessing he signed and gave to Fr. Jozo read:“I grant from the heart a particular blessing to Father Jozo Zovko, O.F.M. and I invoke a new outpouring of graces and heavenly favors, and the continuous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joannes Paulus II.”

The Holy Father’s own knowledge of Medjugorje and the major figures surrounding the events there was very impressive. Often his knowledge extended beyond the facts that many Medjugorje devotees may even know. For instance, most Medjugorje followers know that there are six visionaries. However, fewer may know that, in addition to the original six children who reported experiencing apparitions of Our Lady in 1981, two also reported experiencing interior locutions (locution cordis), the mystical grace of seeing and hearing Our Lady in an interior way – through the heart, especially when in prayer. Jelena and Marijana Vasilj, distant cousins, were the two youngsters who reported experiencing this grace. At Medjugorje, they acquired the nickname of “the seers of the second generation,” being ten year-old girls (compared to the older visionaries) during the beginning periods of the apparitions.

Of course, such idiosyncratic distinctions, between young mystics who received apparitions and those who received inner locutions—while perhaps a bit perplexing to many observers—were no problem for John Paul II to discern. He didn’t miss a beat. In 1988, John Paul II received a group of Croatian Catholics into his private chapel in Rome. He instantly recognized two members of the group from photographs he had witnessed. Approaching the two young girls, he said, “Ah yes, Jelena and Marijana, who have the interior locutions.” John Paul II greeted the girls warmly and stared into their eyes for some time with much amusement.

Today, both Jelena and Marijana are, of course, mature women. Jelena’s path has especially been interesting. Traveling to the United States for her undergraduate studies, she completed her B.A. at the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, Jelena returned to Rome where she pursued a doctorate in theology at the Gregorian University, always displaying a sophisticated mind with a deep appreciation for the Catholic faith.

Only two years after the pope met with “the seers of the second generation,” John Paul II sent his friend and confidant, Bishop Paul Hnilica, S.J., then Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, to accompany Marija Pavlovic, another Medjugorje visionary, on a visit to Russia. Bishop Hnilica continually told Marija how much the pope wished to visit Medjugorje. Similarly to the words John Paul II gave to visionary Mirjana Soldo during their meeting, the Bishop emphasized how the Holy Father explained to him: “If I wasn’t the Pope, I’d be in Medjugorje already!

Many bishops from around the world have had similar encounters with John Paul II on the topic of Medjugorje. In June 1986, in response to a group of twelve Italian bishops seeking advice on pilgrims traveling to Medjugorje, the pope recognized the indisputable fruits of faith present in the village: “Let the people go to Medjugorje,” he said, “if they convert, pray, confess, do penance and fast.”

Similarly, in April 15, 1990, the National Catholic Reporter quoted Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo, Texas. Bishop Pfeifer explained:“During my Ad Lumina visit to Rome with the Bishops of Texas in April 1988, I asked our Holy Father his opinion about Medjugorje during the private conversation I had with him. He spoke very favorably about the happenings there, pointing out the good which had been done for people. During the lunch which the Texas Bishops later had with the Holy Father, Medjugorje came up for further discussion. Again His Holiness spoke of how it has changed the lives of people who visit it, and said that so far the messages are not contrary to the Gospel.”

Likewise, during his Mass Homily at the Notre Dame Conference on Medjugorje delivered on May 14, 1989, Bishop S. Treinen, Bishop of Boise, Idaho, related a conversation he once had with John Paul II:

“In the course of it [our conversation] I said: ‘Holy Father, I have just come from Medjugorje. There are wonderful things going on there.’ The Pope replied: ‘Yes, it’s good for pilgrims to go to Medjugorje and pray and do penance. It’s good.’ That’s first hand, I heard him say it myself.”In February 1990, Bishop Murilo Krieger, then Auxiliary Bishop of Florianopolis, Brazil, reported a conversation with John Paul II about the apparitions, wherein the pope enthusiastically told him: “Medjugorje is a great center of spirituality!” Not only that but the Holy Father also happily assented to Bishop Krieger’s request, giving his papal blessings to the visionaries. Bishop Krieger explained:

“In 1988, I was with eight other bishops and thirty three priests on spiritual retreat in the Vatican. The Holy Father knew that many of us were going to Medjugorje afterwards. After a private mass with the Pope, before leaving Rome, he said, without having been asked anything, ‘Pray for me in Medjugorje.’ On another occasion, I told the Pope ‘I am going to Medjugorje for the fourth time.

* ’He concentrated his thoughts and said, “Medjugorje, Medjugorje, it’s the spiritual heart of the world’. On the same day I spoke with other Brazilian bishops and the Pope at lunch time and I asked him: ‘Your holiness, can I tell the visionaries that you send your blessing?’ He answered: ‘Yes yes,’ and embraced me.”

In addition to Pope John Paul II’s overwhelming support, in recent years Medjugorje has acquired some very influential supporters in Roman Catholic circles. Critics of Medjugorje, from the bishop of Mostar to German theologian Manfred Hauke, are given a lot of media attention. But what is noteworthy is how many cardinals have voiced their affection for the shrine, including Cardinals Tonini Ersilio, Emmanuel Wamala, Jean Margeot, Frantisek Tomasek and, most recently, his eminence Christoph Cardinal Schonborn, the Archbishop of Vienna who visited Medjugorje as a pilgrim for Christmas 2009. Even theologians have shown their appreciation. The French theologian Fr. Rene Laurentin and the Swiss theologian and cardinal Hansursvon Balthasar have been open Medjugorje supporters. Balthasar, in addition to being arguably the most eminent theologian of the twentieth century, is also known for co-founding—with his friend Joseph Ratzinger (the current Pope), and with others—the Catholic journal Communio. He frequently referred to the events happening at Medjugorje as “a theater of holiness.

*”Most recently, the popular American priest, Fr. Donald Calloway of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, published his autobiography, No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy. Fr. Calloway is the vocation director for the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, the author of numerous books, and a leading proponent of the Divine Mercy devotions of St. Faustina Kowalska. It was a book about Medjugorje, The Queen of Peace Visits Medjugorje, which led to Calloway’s famous conversion, going from an agnostic and destructive youth wrestling with addiction, promiscuous sex, and illegal crime to someone who found hope, peace, and meaning in Medjugorje, leading to the priesthood and to his current life of spiritual maturity and personal unity with Christ and Our Lady.

The messages and fruits of Medjugorje have reached an innumerable amount of people. From the faithful millions who have visited the village to the millions who have read about it, to some of the most influential members of the Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II, who many Catholics believe was a mystic himself, had a special relationship (in his immense spirituality and in his devotion to Our Lady) with Medjugorje. He asked others to protect Medjugorje and he believed that Medjugorje was the fulfillment of Fatima.

Monsignor Angelo Kim, President of the Korean Bishops’ Conference, once wrote about his encounter with John Paul II in the Korean national weekly newspaper, Catholic News, in 1990. Prior to the conclusion of the last Bishops’ Synod in Rome, the Korean bishops were invited to a lunch with John Paul II. Msgr. Kim addressed the Holy Father directly and said, “Father, thanks to you, Poland was able to liberate itself from Communism.” To this, the Holy Father responded, “No, this is not my merit. This is the work of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as She had predicted in Fatima and in Medjugorje.”

As mentioned, in the Vatican he was known as the “Protector of Medjugorje.” In reality, this relationship was mutual. According to the testimony of the Medjugorje visionaries, on May 13, 1982, on the anniversary of the Fatima apparitions and on the occasion of an assassination attempt on John Paul II’s life, Our Lady said, “His enemies tried to kill him, but I have protected him.”
Source-Medjugorje Org. Medjugorje Web

this article has been posted for informational purposes only….”Dear children, I invite you!
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A Child’s Prayer-Reflection on 4/2/11 Medjugorje Message

If you do not believe my words, at least believe my wounds...

“Dear children, with motherly love I desire to open the heart of each of you and to teach you personal unity with The Father. To accept this, you must comprehend that you are important to God and that He is calling you individually. You must comprehend that your prayer is a conversion of a child with The Father; that love is the way by which you must set out – love for God and for your neighbor.

That is, my children, the love that has no boundaries, that is the love that emanates from truth and goes to the end. Follow me, my children, so that also others, in recognizing the truth and love in you, may follow you. Thank you.

[Once again Our Lady called us to pray for our shepherds, our priests, and said: “They have a special place in my heart. They represent my Son.”]

When our Lady first gave this message what stood out for me was one her desire to ‘open the heart’ and to teach us how to have a relationship with God the Father.

Our Lady said that in order for us to accept this, we must comprehend that we are important to God, and that He is calling us individually.

Let’s look at this a little closer. How many of us think that God does not notice me? God doesn’t love me, or God won’t care? You know that the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, when there is doubt, there is spiritual blindness.

I had to think back, and still sometimes I find myself saying do you really love me Lord, do you really care that much? For most of us, it is easy to say that. Why? Because we’ve grown up with so little love from childhood on. We grew up with conditional love…for someone to love us unconditional is not natural for us to believe in, because we do not naturally know it. But its real.

Our Lady once said that children learn the love of God through mother and father loving each other, and through the love that parents give their children. If God is Father, and our relationship with our maternal father has been wounded or severed, then we are not going to know a fathers love, and will not come to know especially the love of God as Father. Our view of an imperfect father’s love will be distorted, to the point we say, I don’t need God because He was never there for me.

I cannot count how many times I hear this said by those who do not believe especially with teens-gosh the crisis with teens is so great right now. But yet they are still miserable, and bring misery into the lives of those around them.

Contrary to what we think, Our Lady makes it clear. YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD. God knows us by name. God knew us before we were formed in the womb. (Jer.1) Not one child is an accident, NOT ONE!

Every human being was born out of the heart of the Father, out of love. The gift of baptism awakened the spirit within us to share in this life with the Father. It is God the Father that put your spirit in the womb of your Mother, and gave you a body to exist. The body is the vessel that carries your human spirit, united with the divine Spirit of God as a baptized Christian.

So why is it that so many do not know God’s love? Why is the world so cold to the love of God? Why is it so hard for anyone to enter into a loving relationship with their Creator and pretend to say He does not exist? How can we love or believe in something or someone that we cannot see?

Well like most relationships…it takes effort. You are going to get out of the relationship as much as you put in to the relationship.

We under estimate the power of the Word of God. If God who is all omnipotent can create such a vast and majestic universe has the power to do this by His spoken Word, how can we doubt when He said that (1) He will be with us to the end of time; (2) This is my body (my blood) given up for you; (3) If you see me you have seen the Father, for the Father is in me…and I can go on and on.

The Word of God (Jesus) came in the flesh so tell the world that the Father is real, and a living being. The Word of God allowed Himself to be handed over by men to be tortured and beaten to prove to the world that even to this kind of death, it is worth it to seek the Father.

Our Lady comes with the same message. It only takes an open heart to begin to understand that YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD whether you want to believe it or not.

YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD ENOUGH FOR HIM TO KEEP SENDING HIS OWN MOTHER INTO THE WORLD TO TELL YOU SO. If you are not feeling loved in your home, with your family, your spouse, community or work place you only have need to go so far as to your local parish the ark of salvation for all mankind, and sit before the Most Blessed Sacrament or the tabernacle where God Himself is fully present as He promised He would be, and let Him love you, and bathe you in His love. Here is the refuge for the human heart. The world cannot offer this love. Only God can offer the love the human heart desires.

I heard in the gospel yesterday the voice of the Lord say these words from John 8:47.

He said, “whoever belongs to God hears the Word of God; for this reason you do not listen because you do not belong to God…”

You belong to God if you hear the Word of God, and later he says, if you hear the word and ACT ON IT. This is Jesus saying this to those who did not believe in Him or His Word, which He said that He spoke from what He heard from His Father. He came to testify to the truth.

Jesus said, “no one can come to the Father except through me.” Saints Peter and Paul both said that there is no other name given to mankind for salvation except the name of Jesus Christ. So then why are we chasing after false prophets? The name of Jesus Christ every knee must bow in the heavens, on earth and under the earth.

The name of Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY TOWARD SALVATION. Jesus Christ is the only acceptable sacrifice pleasing in the eyes of the Father. If we want to know the Father, we must know the Son. We must look like Jesus. We must come to know Jesus in the most intimate way as a Bride who desires to be one with her Spouse.

The Father is offering a love and is extending his hand in mercy to a world that is in desperate need of it. Jesus, Who is Divine Mercy said His mercy is unfathomable, incomprehensible; that means there is no limit, no end, no boundaries as our Lady just said. His mercy and love is eternal…never ending. We only have need to “open our hearts to receive it.”

So we have to ask ourselves, what is standing in the way of me receiving the love of God. What do I give more importance to in my life that is more important to God?

Who is the father we believe? The father of lies that says you are no good, that God does not love you? Or do you believe the Word of God in the flesh Who says, “I am love and mercy itself; put great trust in my unfathomable mercy…” God does not create junk. On the contrary God said what He has created is good.

The Lord began to teach more on the scripture from the gospel of John 8:42-46. He had me focus on these words all the more…

“If God were your Father you would love me for I come from God and am here, I did not come on my own, but He sent me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? Because you cannot bear to hear my word…”

Jesus is asking those who are questioning him “Why do you not understand what I am saying?” He repeats often, that those who know Him, know His voice and will recognize truth. If we do not know Him, then we do not know truth, and will not recognize nor accept His voice in the Word.

But the Lord made it clear, if we do not listen to His voice, then there is only one other voice that we welcome, as he said because we cannot bear to hear the truth-because that would mean we would have to change our life-and we get too comfortable in our sin; or we cannot bear to think we have to put effort into changinig for the good….

“Because you cannot bear to hear my word you belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your fathers desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie he speaks in character because he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me…If I am telling you the truth why do you not believe me?”

There is the truth and there is the lie. Which is easier to believe? Truth cuts through the heart. Truth breaks open the heart, and often comes with pain. Human nature naturally hides from truth. The Lord is revealing Himself in fullness of truth, but we cannot bear to hear it.

I find it is no different today. Our Lady in her messages is offering a remedy to the whole human race to reconcile with God. The outreach of heaven is incomprehensible at this time, and yet still so many are rejecting her love. She wants to teach us how to pray to the Father, she wants to teach us how to love her Son, and remind us of how He suffered for us so patiently with such great love. And what is the typical response of most of her children; “ah, that’s nice, Oh so what..or I cannot live that kind of life, that is for someone else…”

Really? If we are rejecting her, we are rejecting the one who sent her. In the gospel of John, the Lord spoke to us about the world’s hatred. He said if they rejected you, remember they rejected Him first. How so true do I find these words to be with the obstinacy of human creatures, even among those closest to me who have seen and witnessed great things.

And for this and the hardness of hearts, the Lord said he would send a deceiving spirit so that they would believe the lie. And so dear friends, here we are today. If we reject the one Whom the Lord sends, then we are rejecting him, and we have chosen another god in the making, the father of lies.

Our Lady calls us little children. Do we know the power of the prayer of a little child? A child who speaks only from the heart when a child is in need of the love of mother or father?

I remember when my girls were little, and to hear the words…’mommy or daddy’ would just melt my heart with their tiny little voices. How do you think the Father would respond to such love and innocence of a child who cries out to him in love.

This is what Our Lady means when she says, “…you must comprehend that your prayer is a conversation of a child with the Father; that love is the way by which you must set out, love for God and neighbor….”

Jesus taught us how to pray to the Father. Read the gospels. Seek out how many times He went off to pray to His Father in secret. John chapter 17 is a good reflection on the prayer of Jesus. Now put love to this prayer as you hear the words, “Father, they are your gift to me…”

We can hear these words as parent with our children, or we can hear it as Jesus praying for me; or we can hear it as Blessed Mother praying the words of her Son to the Father for our sake….the depth of the Word of God is boundless and eternal. If we only knew the power of His mercy in it.

Once we understand this and the Word of God becomes flesh in us, and who we are, then the love of God will emanate from us TRUTH, and nothing can stop His truth from moving forward. Others will begin to see that living love is within the heart, and others will desire this love and long for it. And before you know, conversion of heart is moving ahead.

My friends, the only way the fruit of Medjugorje will be known in the world is if the pilgrims of Medjugorje are living in the world as a witness to Our Lady’s time of visitation with her Son. One cannot go to Medjugorje and go back to his former way of life…woe to you if you did not take to heart the seriousness of the grace that had been given you. The more evil tries to end what is good, the more accountable the children of Our Lady must be for truth and to live the truth as what she calls apostles of love. We are responsible to make Medjugorje known by our deeds, not just in words.

YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD IN THIS TIME. WITHOUT YOU GOD’S PLAN CANNOT BE REALIZED. BE A WITNESS THAT YOU LOVE GOD ABOVE EVERYTHING. HOLY MARTYRS DIED WITNESSING, I AM A CHRISTIAN AND I LOVE GOD OVER EVERTHING…DO NOT SURRENDER!

Debates can go on and on in word, but deeds do not lie. Your actions must speak louder than your preaching…it is required! Christians can no longer shrink from their Christian vocation.

Remember these words of Jesus to St. Faustina… “If you do not believe my word, at least believe my wounds.” Now, there is truth. Live out the remaining days of your Lenten season gazing at Jesus Crucified, and thank him with all your heart for the immeasurable love He has for you, and on Good Friday beg the Lord for mercy upon the whole world and be reconciled to God.

Let us all pray for our shepherds and priests, and for the fulfillment of the great plan of God.
Ave Maria!

“Do not be afraid of sufferings; I am with you (151). The more you will come to love suffering, the purer your love for me will be. (279)” (Diary of St. Faustina)

Be sure to take to prayer you call to go to Medjugorje. We are taking pilgrims, especailly young people on August 4th through 8/16. Click on the tab for the 22nd Annual Youth Prayer Festival for more information. A great gift for one who is graduating and beginning their adult life preparing for their vocation.

Divine Mercy Novena Begins April 22

Tell the Whole World about my unfathomable Mercy...

Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011. Novena begins on Good Friday

Divine Mercy Novena. Jesus to St. Faustina: “On each day [start on Good Friday] of the novena, you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy. On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My Passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena, I will grant every possible grace to souls.” ( #1209 & 796)

Day One: “Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.”

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever. Amen.

Day Two: “Today bring to Me Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind.”

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard, upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Day Three: “Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.”

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the Heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love of lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day Four: “Today bring to Me Those who do not believe in God and Those Who do not yet know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.”

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day Five: “Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves form my Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion.”

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son’s Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day Six: “Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble souls is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.”

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the Heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart. O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Day Seven: “Today bring to Me The Souls who especially Venerate and Glorify My mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will sine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.”

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your Mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Day Eight: “Today bring to Me The Souls who are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Day Nine: “Today bring to Me The Souls who have become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will’. For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.”

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Week 4-Forty Days in the Desert-Lord Quench My Thirst

Lord quench my thirst for you...

Pray this week in a special way for the gift of an open and receiving heart, as a bride who receives her bridegroom in love and mercy.

Remember to begin each day with the prayer to the Holy Spirit. Really take the time this week to reflect on the theme of the Catechism of the Catholic Church with the weekly reflections. The Lord is moving a step forward and calling us into deeper union with Him. Remember to keep track of the way the Lord is moving in you through your prayer journal, and the areas of growth or healing He desires to accomplish through your heart.

A quick note – work at your own pace in these exercises according to your schedule in your state in life. Some days you may not be able to rest with the Lord as you are with other days. God honors your time you give to him, and can multiply the graces all the more.

Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC 2655-2679

“Dear children, today I thank you for every opening of your hearts. Joy overtakes me for every heart that is opened to God especially from the parish. Rejoice with me! Pray all the prayers for the opening of sinful hearts. I desire that, God desires that through me. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (4/18/85)

Day 1

“Dear children, today I want to tell you to begin to work in your hearts as you are working in the fields. Work and change your hearts so that a new spirit from God can take its place in your hearts…” (4/25/85)

“…My beloved daughter, you have come to know well the depths of my mercy. I will do what you ask, but unite yourself continually with my agonizing heart and make reparation to my justice. Know that you have asked me for a great thing, but I see that this was dictated by your pure love for me, that is why I am complying with your requests…” (diary 873)

Ps. 19:10, Ps. 111:10, Jn. 21:16-17

Day 2

“Dear children, today I call you to prayer with the heart, and not just from habit. Some are coming but do not wish to move ahead in prayer. Therefore, I wish to warn you like a Mother. Pray that prayer prevails in your hearts in every moment. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (5/2/85)

“It is my Passion that you must seek light and strength…fear nothing, I am with you.” (Diary 654-55)

Jn. 21:15, Jn. 13:34, 2 Cor. 5:20-21

Day 3

“Dear children, no; you do not know how many graces God is giving you. You do not want to move ahead during these days when the Holy Spirit is working in a special way. Your hearts are turned toward the things of earth and they preoccupy you. Turn your hearts toward prayer and seek the Holy Spirit to be poured out on you….” (5/9/85)

“…My omnipotent mercy is active here. Happy the soul that takes advantage of this grace. What joy fills my heart when you return to me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of my Father…” (diary 1486)

Rom. 8:19, Lk. 24:47, Acts 9:31

Day 4

“…I am calling you to more active prayer and attendance at Holy Mass. I wish your Mass to be an experience of God. I wish especially to say to the young people; be open to the Holy Spirit because God wishes to draw you to Himself in these days when satan is at work…” (5/16/85)

“…You have a special claim on my mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth and life. My child, all your sins have not wounded my heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does; that after so many efforts of my love and mercy you shouldn’t doubt my mercy…” (Diary 1486)

2 Cor. 4:10-12, 1 Jn. 4:19, Jn. 15:12-13

Day 5

“Dear children, these days I call you especially to open your hearts to the Holy Spirit. Especially during these days the Holy Spirit is working through you. Open your hearts and surrender your lives to Jesus so that He works through your hearts and strengthens you in faith…” (5/23/85)

“Here soul, are all the treasures of my heart. Take everything you need from it. Tell me all, my child, hide nothing from me because My loving heart, the Heart of your best friend is listening to you.”

Matt. 9:11-13, Matt. 11:29-30, Is. 45:3

Day 6

“Dear children, I call you again to prayer with the heart. Let prayer, dear children be your everyday food in a special way when your work in the fields is so wearing you out, that you cannot pray with the heart. Pray, and then you shall overcome even every weariness. Prayer will be your joy and your rest. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (5/30/85)

“Poor soul, I see that you suffer much and that you do not have even the strength to converse with me. So I will speak to you. Even though your sufferings were very great, do not lose heart or give in to despondency. But tell Me my child, who has dared to wound your heart? Tell me about everything; be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them, and your suffering will become a source of your sanctification…do not be discouraged. I know your boundless trust in me; I know you are aware of my goodness and mercy. Let us talk in detail about everything that weights so heavily upon your heart..talk to me simply as a friend to a friend. Tell me now, my child what hinders you from advancing in holiness?”

Rev. 21:3-5, 1 Jn. 1:3-4, Jn 3:16, Jer. 1:5-8

Day 7 Review

Santa Cruz Media Statement for Fr. John Corapi

Keep praying for priests!

Statement of Santa Cruz Media, Inc. Relative to Fr. Corapi’s Suspension

Santa Cruz Media, Inc. is the owner of all of Fr. John Corapi’s intellectual property and the DVDs, CDs, and books that flow from it. We are a secular corporation and not affiliated with the Catholic Church in any way. As such, we are not under the jurisdiction of any bishop or other official in the Catholic Church, although we have the utmost respect for Church authority.

We fully support Rev. John Corapi in this terrible trial, not surprisingly having begun on Ash Wednesday. Through the sacrifice and struggle of the desert and all of the dark moments that this entails, we are confident that the glory of the risen Lord will shine forth from the power of the Resurrection and Easter.

We have consulted with a number of canon lawyers. They have assured us that the actions of the Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas are, on several points of canon law, illicit. It is our fervent hope that The Dallas Charter will be changed because of false accusations like this. There is no evidence at this time that Fr. Corapi did anything wrong, only the unsubstantiated rant of a former employee, who, after losing her job with this office, physically assaulted me and another employee and promised to “destroy” Father Corapi. We all continue to pray for this person, and we ask you to do the same.

We sincerely believe that the work Fr. Corapi has done is of greatest value to the Church, hence hated by the devil. We fully intend to make Fr. Corapi’s material available as a service to the Church and the world for as long as we possibly can.

The Church provides no financial support to Fr. Corapi. He has to pay for his own legal representation, medical costs, food, housing, etc. We have never accepted donations or charitable contributions of any kind. We are supporting Father’s efforts to defend himself. Your purchase of products from Santa Cruz Media helps provide the funding for Father’s continued work as well as the legal expenses he continues to incur as a result of these malicious allegations.

Father Corapi and all of us here at Santa Cruz Media, Inc. greatly appreciate your kindness, support, and prayers. Please continue to pray for Father Corapi and his accuser, as well as all priests who find themselves in this unfortunate situation.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bobbi Ruffatto
Vice President of Operations
Santa Cruz Media, Inc

Week 2-Spiritual Exercise-Food for the Journey

"Open yourselves to God the Creator..."

Our journey has begun with Jesus and Mary in the desert. As with most journey’s we need to make sure we have enough food and water to make the journey. In this case spiritual food (the Eucharist) and water (the waters of the baptism graces that we received from this past week).

I am already experiencing the movements of the Holy Spirit as certain areas in my heart are being broken open, in the way the Lord is going to do a deeper healing in my heart. I hope you are all witnessing the same. As I mentioned, we are in this journey together.

Feel free to share your thoughts in this post with others. You do not need to include your name, but only your experiences through your prayer, and journaling with the Lord through His Word, and the messages given.

Pray for a greater understanding of the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, and to remain in the love of God.

REMEMBER TO PRAY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT, FOR YOU MUST GO TO THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR TO UNDERSTAND HIS WORDS. COME HOLY SPIRIT…

Pay very close attention to how the Lord is moving in your heart with open eyes and hearts to understand the areas in your life where you may be experiencing troubles, or of constant conflicts over the same issues. The Lord may be getting your attention to these areas that are in need of healing, reconciliation, or to be used in a way for spiritual growth…Keep asking the Holy Spirit to reveal these areas if you are unsure.

Brief opening reflection….
(From Dialogue of St. Catherine of Sienna with the Father, “How God grieves over the Christian people, and particularly over His ministers, and touches on the subject of the Sacrament of Christ’s body and the benefit of the Incarnation”)

“…See how my spouse has defiled her face, and become leprous on account of her filthiness and self love, and swollen with the pride and avarice of those who feed on their own sin, what I say of the universal body and the mystical body of the Holy Church, I also say of my ministers, who stand and feed at the breasts of the Holy Church …

…Wishing however to restore man, who was enfeebled and could not satisfy for the above reasons my justice, the sins committed against Me, who am the Infinite good, I sent My Word, My own Son, clothed in your own very nature the corrupted clay of Adam, in order that He might endure suffering in the self same nature in which man had offended, suffering in His body even to the opprobitious death of the cross, and so He satisfied my justice and My divine mercy. For My mercy willed to make satisfaction for the sin of man and to dispose him to the good for which I had created him. This human nature joined with the Divine nature was sufficient to satisfy for the whole human race, not only on account of the pain which it sustained in its finite nature, but by virtue of the eternal Deity, the Divine and infinite nature joined to it…”

Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC 1434 – 1460

Weekly Reflection:

“Dear children! Today I invite you in a special way to open yourselves to God the Creator and to become active. I invite you little children to see at this time who needs your spiritual or material help. By your example, little children you will be the extended hands of God, which mankind is called to witness and to become joyful carriers of God’s Word and of His love. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (2/25/97)

Day 1

“Dear children, at this time, do not only think of rest for your body but, little children seek time also for the soul. In silence may the Holy Spirit speak to you and permit Him to convert and change you. I am with you and before God I intercede for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (7/25/06)

“…strengthen yourself for combat” (Diary #145 – In reference to when the soul displeases the Lord in sin. St. Faustina was running away from the Lord in facing certain things within her. In what way am I running from the Lord and not wanting to defeat the sin in me?)

Eph. 4:23-24, Prov. 4:1-7, Luke 22:19, Isaiah 41:10, Rev. 5:11-14

Day 2

“…today as never before I invite you to live my messages and put them into practice in your life. I have come to you to help you and therefore I invite you to change your life because you have taken a path of misery, a path of ruin. When I told you, ‘convert, pray, fast, be reconciled,’ you took these messages superficially. You started to live them and then you stopped, because it was difficult for you. No dear children when something is good, you have to persevere in the good and not think, “God does not see me, He is not listening, He is not helping.” And so you have gone away from God and from me because of your miserable interest…” (3/25/92 in part)

“…Be not afraid of you Savior O sinful soul, I make the first move to come to you, for I know that by yourself you are unable to lift yourself to me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish his graces on you. How dear your soul is to Me! I have inscribed your name upon My hand; you are engraved as a deep wound in My heart…” (Diary 1485)

Eph. 2:19-22, 6:16, 1 Thes. 5:8, John 14:23-27, Isaiah 45:3

Day 3

“…I wanted to create of you an oasis of peace, love and goodness. God wanted you with your love and with His help to do miracles and thus give an example. Therefore, here is what I say to you, ‘satan is playing with you and with your souls and I cannot help you because you are far from my heart. Therefore, pray, live my messages and then you will see the miracles of God’s love in your every day life. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (3/25/92 in part)

“…I am your strength, I will help you in the struggle. My child, do you fear the God of mercy? My holiness does not prevent Me from being merciful. Behold, for you I have established a throne of mercy on earth – the tabernacle; and from this throne I desire to enter into your heart. I am surrounded by a retinue of guards. You can come to me at any moment, at any time; I want to speak to you and desire to grant you grace…” (Diary 1485)

Lk. 24:13-16, Lk 24:30-35, Is. 40:31, Mt. 13:1-9
(Ask the Lord in a special way to open your eyes to see, and your ears to hear for a greater knowledge and understanding of the Word He speaks here today for you personally. Write down what comes to your heart)

Day 4

“Dear children, today I invite you to prayer. Only by prayer and fasting can war be stopped. Therefore my dear little children pray and by your life give witness that you are mine and that you belong to me, because satan wishes in these turbulent days to seduce as many souls as possible. Therefore, I invite you to decide for God and He will protect you and show you what you should do and which path to take….” (4/25/92)

“…My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world. Who can measure the extent of my goodness? For you I descended from heaven to earth; for you I allowed myself to be nailed to the cross, for you I let my Sacred Heart be pierced with a lance, thus opening wide the source of mercy for you. Come then with trust to draw graces from this fountain. I never reject a contrite heart. Your misery has disappeared in the depths of My mercy. Do not argue with me about your wretchedness. You will give me pleasure if you hand over to me all your troubles and grief. I shall heap upon you the treasures of My grace…” (Diary 1485)

(Meditate on the wounds of Jesus)

Mt. 13:10-17, Lk. 24:32, 2 Cor. 5:7, Ps. 36:6-13, Mt. 7:24-29

Day 5

“…I invite all those who have said, ‘yes’ to me to renew their consecration to my Son Jesus and to His heart and to me so we can take you more intensely as instruments of peace in this unpeaceful world…(4/25/92)

“Child speak no more of your misery; it is already forgotten. Listen My child to what I desire to tell you. Come close to my wounds and draw from the Fountain of Life whatever your heart desires. Drink copiously from the Fountain of Life and you will not weary on your journey. Look at the splendors of my mercy and do not fear the enemies of your salvation. Glorify My mercy…” (Diary 1485)

Mt. 10:24-26, Acts 8:26-40, Is. 53:7-12, Ps. 33:10-22

Day 6

“…Medjugorje is a sign to all of you and a call to pray and live the days of grace that God is giving you. Therefore, dear children, accept the call to prayer with seriousness. I am with you and your suffering is also mine. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (4/25/92)

“…My daughter tell souls that I am giving them My mercy as a defense. I Myself am fighting for them and am bearing the just anger of My Father. (Diary 1516) I have opened my heart as a living fountain of mercy. Let all souls draw from it. Let them approach this sea of mercy with great trust. Sinners will attain justification and the just will be confirmed in good. Whoever places his trust in My mercy will be filled with My divine peace at the hour of death.” (Diary 1520)

Jn. 10:10-15, Jn. 10:16-18, Jn. 4:23-24, Jn. 1:11-14, 1 Cor. 2:9-16

Day 7

Review

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he gained us in the beloved…” (Eph. 1:3-6)

Week 1 – Lenten Exercise; Setting out on the Journey

FORTY DAYS IN THE DESERT

Try to Begin on Ash Wednesday. This exercise will continue through the GREAT FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY!

Do not begin this exercise without the help of the Holy Spirit. Pray every day for the Holy Spirit to come with His gifts, especially for the Spirit of Truth, that the Word spoken is taken into the heart in fullness of truth.

We will post these exercises week by week.

Remember we are walking with Jesus and Mary in the desert and with several hundred others who are joining us. You are not alone.

Each day you will find short scriptures to reflect with, along with the words of Jesus through Divine Mercy and Our Lady. Use these reflections as if both Jesus and Mary are speaking to you in the present moment as you would with Sacred Scripture.

It is best to record and dialog with the Lord and/or Blessed Mother with each reflection and scripture. And review at the end of the week what has come out of your thoughts and your heart. Begin to focus on areas that are repeated often, or things the Lord may reveal about you, or himself. God always speaks in repetition when He is conveying His Word, and what He desires to accomplish.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph(s) are provided for your reference to seek a deeper understanding of the faith and can be used at any time during this week.

This exercise may also be put to use with your family prayer and/or prayer groups. A member of the family or prayer group may keep a log of the family’s sharing time with the reflections and the scriptures given. This is an excellent way to see how the Holy Spirit is moving in your domestic church or within your parish.

Please remember, we are all on this journey together in this walk of faith with God. Feel free to share your experience through these exercises on this post, so that others can see that they are not alone on this journey through the desert. You may experience things or hear a Word from God that may inspire another soul. As the psalmist says, “Encourage each other daily while it is still today…”

Tips to help you in your journey when you thirst through the desert….

Keep a balanced diet each day of your Lenten sacrficies and time with God. No time given to God is ever wasted, even if it were just for a few moments of the day. The Lord can multiply the grace of time as He desire for you.

In your fasting and penances, make note of your successes and failures as you see yourself in growth with the Spirit. It will help encourage you when the journey in the desert feels taxing and your are quenched with thirst. Let God love you as the gift you are!

Most important make time for Eucharistic Adoration a minimum of 1 hour a week; more if possible; and holy mass daily if possible as your schedule permits. Frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as you feel called…there is no limit to God’s Mercy for a soul that is open to His mercy.

Week 1 – Setting out on the Journey

Passing through Your Baptismal Gifts – CCC 538-550

This week pray for the gifts of your baptismal graces to be renewed in your heart, and to experience the love of God for you.

Week 1 – Daily Meditation:

“Dear children! Today I call you to unite with Jesus in prayer. Open your heart to Him and give Him everything that is in it; joy, sorrows, and illnesses. May this be a time of grace for you. Pray, little children, and may every moment belong to Jesus. I am with you and I intercede for you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (3/25/02)

Day 1

“…today again I invite you to pray, so that through prayer, fasting and small sacrifices you may prepare yourself for the coming of Jesus…” (11/25/96)

“My daughter, be always like a little child toward those who represent Me, otherwise you will not benefit from the graces I bestow on you through them.” (Diary 1260)

Matt. 13:17, 1 Cor. 6:19, Gal. 4:6, John 17:22-23, 1 Pet. 1:3

Day 2

“…May this time, little children be a time of grace for you. Use every moment and do good for only in this way will you feel the birth of Jesus in your hearts…” (11/25/96)

“…You see my daughter that my will must be done and that which I had promised you, I shall do. Through him I spread comfort to suffering and careworn souls. Through him it pleased me to proclaim the worship of my mercy. And through this work of mercy more souls will come close to me than otherwise would have even if he had kept giving absolution day and night for the rest of his life, because by so doing he would have labored only for as long as he lived; whereas, thanks to this work of mercy, he will be laboring till the end of the world…” (Diary 1256)

Luke 11:2-4, Matt. 18:3, Rom. 5:2-5, Col. 1:24-27

Day 3

“…If with your life you give an example and become a sign of God’s love, joy will prevail in the hearts of men. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (11/25/96)

“…I desire to unite myself with human souls: My greatest delight is to unite Myself with souls…” (Diary 1385)

1 Peter 3:15-17, Ps. 119:49, Ps. 119:81, Matt. 17:5, John 6:63-69

Day 4

“Dear children! Today I am with you in a special way, holding little Jesus in my lap and I invite you, little children to open yourselves to His call. He calls you to joy. Little children, joyfully live the messages of the Gospel, which I am repeating in the time since I am with you…” (12/25/96)

“…Know my daughter, that when I come to a human heart in holy Communion, my hands are full of all kinds of graces which I want to give to the soul. But souls do not even pay any attention to me; they leave me to myself and busy themselves with other things. Oh how sad I am that souls do not recognize Love! They treat me like a dead object…” (Diary 1385)

John 15:9-10, John 16:13, Eph. 1:16-18, John 8:27-29, John 7:37-39

Day 5

“…Little children, I am your Mother and I desire to reveal to you the God of love and the God of peace. I do not desire for your life to be in sadness but that it be realized in joy for eternity, according to the Gospel. Only in this way will your life have meaning. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (12/25/96)

“…as you are united with me in life, so will you be united at the moment of death…” (Diary 1552)

Ex. 34:29-30, John 10:29-30, Matt. 5:3-9, Rom. 12:9-18

Day 6

“Today in a special way, I invite you to take the cross in the hands and to meditate on the wounds of Jesus. Ask of Jesus to heal your wounds, which you dear children during your life sustained because of your sins or the sins of your parents. Only in this way, dear children will you understand that the world is in need of healing of faith in God the Creator. By Jesus’ passion and death on the cross, you will understand that only through prayer you too can become true apostles of faith, when in simplicity and pray, you live faith which is a gift. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (3/25/97)

“Write down everything that occurs to you regarding my goodness…” (Diary 1605)

Phil. 4:11-14, 1 John 3:2, Isaiah 43:1-4, Jer. 29:11-13, Matt. 28:19-20

Day 7 Review

Lent- 40 Days in the Desert – Are we Ready?

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray...

Lent is speedily approaching, and we have been given firm and clear direction of the Mother of God of what needs to be done this Lenten season. That is to work on our conversion for a new growth to spring forth in our hearts; (from her message of 2/25/11) and with fasting and prayer to strengthen our spirits to be able to do what she is asking of us in our conversion, so that we can live as her apostles of love.

There have been a few inquiries made to me about the spiritual practices that I live and what we live in our family together to help us grow in holiness. I am going to share some of the things that we will be doing as a family in later posts.

I have been getting inspirations of spiritual exercises to work on in my own conversion for the coming weeks of the Lenten season. God bless my family, as they usually work these exercises with me, and we are able to faith share in our evening prayer time and grow together in faith.

These will be exercises to use every day, based on daily scripture readings as we use them as the Word of God speaking to us directly to our hearts; along with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We will also incorporate the messages of our Lady, and some reflections from the saints. Through them it will be easy to see how walking with Our Lady and her Son, will be the quickest and fasted way out of the desert and defeating areas of sin in us.

We strongly recommend to frequent the sacrament of reconciliation to obtain the sacramental grace of Jesus to conquer and win small victories, pecking away at the vices and sin within.

This will be used on a daily basis during the 40 days of Lent, as the stones needed to fight the big Goliath sin in our hearts.

I hope you will join us on this journey together in these coming forty days, and maybe even dialog and faith share your experiences through these exercises as we get them posted. Let us know how you are doing, and we can all pray for each other.

This is a time to experience the love of God, and our opportunity to be reconciled with Him in the areas He desires to purge in us.

We are not leading ourselves, but the Holy Spirit will lead us into the desert as He did with Jesus. (Luke 4:1-2)

We will be tried and reproved to help make us stronger to defeat the sin in ourselves, just as the Lord was tempted in His weak moments. There is nothing to fear, for God will be our strength and Our Lady is with us every step of the way as she was with her Son on the way of the Cross. You will be able to experience the Lord in a way you did not know could be possible. Do not take your eyes off of Jesus or Mary; this is where you will draw your strength, and where you will find countless oasis of peace to quench your thirst.

Let us hold each other up, and any trials we may encounter, let us offer them up for each other to help us all make the Passover into the resurrection of a new way of life with God!

Hear the encouraging words of Our Lady as we begin to embark on this journey…

“Dear children! Also today, I call you to open yourselves to prayer. Especially now, in this time of grace, open your hearts little children and express your love to the Crucified. Only in this way will you discover peace, and prayer will begin to flow from your heart into the world. Be an example little children, and an incentive for the good. I am close to you and I love you all. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (3/25/04)

OPENING REFLECTION:

As we begin to contemplate with the Lord the areas that we will be battling in ourselves, I ask that you give some thought to the following.

I heard an awesome homily this morning about the need for fasting and prayer. It was a recording from a former priest who has since passed away. And the way he spoke about the times we are in, it was like the light bulb just clicked for me, and I said to myself, ‘that makes perfect sense…”

I hope I can do it justice and articulate what this beautiful priest said.

The homily was from the scripture in Luke’s gospel chapter 11:23-26 which says, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes he finds it swept and put into order. Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”

The priest began to explain that there are now in the world today perfect possessions. There are people who willingly and knowingly choose satan and evil, and will these spirits into their being. Sick to imagine, but this is a fact.

But the worst situation right now for the Church is those baptized Christians, who are not living their baptismal promises. Keep in mind, that the rite of Baptism is an exorcism rite in the Catholic Church. For this purpose we are going to talk about the baptized Christian who has fallen from faith, and these of the ones Our Lady is sad about as she just spoke on 3/2/11.

Because of their willingness to reject their faith and their God by choosing worldly things and human ways, from their original state as baptized into the life of Christ, their current state of their soul is worst than their former state says this priest. In other words, they are willfully permitting evil spirits to enter their minds and hearts, because of their way of life and rejecting their baptismal life in Christ from the beginning.

In this scripture quoted, Jesus spoke of seven other spirits more evil than the former way which enter the man who is in this state. It could be that these seven spirits are seven capital sins, which most often are usually behind the driving force of all inherited sin in men from the beginning, but in a worst condition in the human person that rejects their baptismal promises.

This priest said, that any focus in ministry today, should be directed specifically at spiritual warfare ministry. And the way to defeat this battle is through fasting and prayer… “certain spirits only come out through fasting and prayer…” said Jesus to his apostles. And it is the same that Our Lady is saying to her apostles.

Countless times in sacred scripture the Lord had called the people to proclaim a fast. Armies fasted before the entered into battle with the enemy. And of course what we practice is for this Lenten season celebrating the forty days of Jesus in the desert who fasted and prayed to strengthen Him for His public mission.

Jesus was going to contend with not only sin in the desert, but He would come face to face with the many faces of satan and evil in His public mission. Empowered and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, He cast out evil, and His apostles did the same in His name throughout the book of Acts, throughout all of the Church fathers accounts.

Today is not any different. Only in this time of grace and mercy today, Jesus wants to encounter every individual heart. This battleground is in every human person in one way or another. It is time to make more room for Jesus to gain territory in the heart so He can conquer the evil and sin in us. There is nobody on this earth that is an exception. It does not matter how far advanced you may think of yourself as one growing in grace…you are already operating in your pride if you think so.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says this (paraphrase), “Jesus’ call to conversion and penance is like the prophets before Him, does not aim at the outward signs like the sackcloth and ashes, fasting and mortification; but of the conversion of the heart, interior conversion….interior conversion is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart and an end to sin turning away from evil with hatred for the sin we have committed; the human heart is hardened and God wants to give a new heart… (CCC 1430-32)

Can men do horrible things? Absolutely!

Let’s look at the baptized person who is under the influence of evil and habitual sin for example, steeped in darkness, doing evil deeds that is incomprehensible to themselves and to other human beings. They are driven by evil, and building evil upon evil, plagued, bound and chained to the evil, not knowing how to conquer it.

These are some of the major sins of the world today that are committed against the human body, and this list is not all inclusive; pornography, contraception, or other forms of sterilization, homosexuality, concentration camps (with wars); biotechnology, adultery (post marital sex outside of marriage, fornication (pre-marital sex); prostitutions, abortion, terrorist attacks such as blowing up the human body or directed at other human beings; cloning, experimentation on human beings, abuses, masturbation, and exploitation or immodest effects of the media that promotes such things.

We are so ingrained in these vices no one gives it any thought that it these are grave and moral offenses against God and His Commandments. We have made these practices a way of life which is even worst.

In both the gospel of Matthew and Luke, the scripture says, “…your eye is the light lamp of the body; when your eye is sound, your whole body is full of light, but when it is not sound, your body is full of darkness, therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright as when a lamp with its rays gives you light…” (Luke 11)

What are the things we are viewing most in our every day life?

The eyes are the window through to the soul. If we are viewing things on a regular basis filled with filth and disgust and all kinds of darkness, the mind and the heart are being filled with such darkness; which then bring thoughts to the conscience and sub-conscience evil thoughts, which are eventually acted out upon.

Children are at great risk today, because of the forms of media and entertainment they are exposed to, and parents are allowing them to view such things, thinking nothing of it. Parents are responsible for guarding and protecting the purity and innocence of their children and not to expose them to such darkness. Is it no wonder Our Lady says that parents are teaching their children the “wrong way” and leading them to perdition?

It all needs to be cut off. Adults aren’t any stronger in the spirit and willfully allow these vices through media to enter the homes. And then they wonder why their lives have become such upheaval and such a mess.

The human race is in a need of a new baptism of the Holy Spirit. A new Pentacost; or should I say a double dose of the Holy Ghost!

Our Lady said in January 2011 that the Holy Spirit is a work in the world through those who have said yes to her. The Holy Spirit is going to kick up the dust so to say, and begin to stir up a lot of things inside the human heart, bringing to light what must go!

As the great prophet St. John the Baptist said, “I must decrease, so that he may increase in me. Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his path…” Where ever you find Our Lady, you will find the Holy Spirit. And when the great spouse of the Mother of God are united in one, Jesus Christ will be made incarnate in the flesh in your human body. Our Lady is determined to make it so, that Jesus become visible in you.

Christians must live their baptismal promises, that is to REJECT satan, vice and sin and all evil. And take up prayer, fasting and renunciation to defeat and conquer all darkness.
Our Lady often calls us to fasting with the heart. This could be in way of behavior and/ or attitudes, such as works of charity or mercy done in love…FIRST IN THE HOME and then out to others. Yes husbands and wives, this means with your spouses first!

Charity begins in the home, and needs to be modeled for your children as much.

Consecrate yourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus daily. The St. Louis deMonfort total consecration prayer and formula is a great way to learn how to renounce sin.

For this purpose, we will close at this time, and will continue in other postings for further reflections. And look forward to the upcoming spiritual exercises for the Lenten practices coming soon.

“…this rather is the fasting that I wish; release those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting the oppressed free, breaking every yoke, sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless, clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your wound shall be quickly healed. Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call the Lord and He will answer you. You will cry for help and He will say, ‘here I am!’” (Isaiah 58:6-9)