A Miracle in the Heart – Part II

He humbled Himself...taking the form of a slave...

Below is the message given on 10/2/11 for review. I am sharing my personal experience with this message that has been brought to light for me as a Mother….

“Dear children; Also today my motherly heart calls you to prayer, to your personal relationship with God the Father, to the joy of prayer in Him. God the Father is not far away from you and He is not unknown to you. He revealed Himself to you through my Son and gave you Life that is my Son. Therefore, my children, do not give in to temptations that want to separate you from God the Father. Pray! Do not attempt to have families and societies without Him. Pray! Pray that your hearts may be flooded by the goodness which comes only from my Son, Who is sincere goodness. Only hearts filled with goodness can comprehend and accept God the Father. I will continue to lead you. In a special way I implore you not to judge your shepherds. My children, are you forgetting that God the Father called them? Pray! Thank you.”

Our Lady begins her please as a Mother speaking from her heart. Mothers I appeal to you in this right from the get go. Can you identify with the sound of this word? I know I can.

Only recently did I have to address a concern I had with one of my children who was toying with something that I knew was detrimental to compromising her salvation, her purity of heart, and her well being. I was sick to my stomach knowing my child was falling into a trap that many teens fall for, and that which we have worked with so many years to reject.

Now she is on her own away at college, and has to make sounds choices on her own. The peer pressure, the college way of life, all became very overwhelming for her. My friends this is a Catholic College, and one that is supposed to be known as a solid Catholic College.

The teens are having sex, jumping from one partner to the next. Parties non-stop with drinking alcohol and drugs, and the kids saying “our parents can do nothing about it.”

It is a playground for satan to work. Where is the authority and the college officials who were so eager to draw the student to their school for their money, feeding parents what they want to hear, and that they want to keep their Catholic identity, while they turn their backs and ignore the infestation of sin occurring under their own noses.

The Mother is calling us into relationship with not only her Son, but God the Father. She specifically said a personal relationship “in the goodness of her Son Jesus.”

I was taken into this message in a different light now again in my own motherhood and parental role for the sake of my child who is away at college. I have been hearing her say that she and her peers have this opinion that now that they are in college they don’t have to listen to their parents tell them what to do.

This statement was just eating me up inside. I kept asking in prayer “what is this?” I know this is wrong. Then I hear parents casually saying, “Oh, this is just them spreading their wings, or this is the way it is, or this and that is okay, she’ll be okay…bla, bla, bla…” Unacceptable!

Then the Lord lead me to the following scriptures…

Lk. 2:51-52 “He went down with them and came to Nazareth and he was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. Jesus advanced in wisdom and in age before God and men.”

“Honor Father and Mother that it may go well for you…” (4th Commandment and 38 References in the bible about respect for those in authority – and to the parents who gave life)

“… Though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality to God something to be grasped. Rather he emptied himself taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found in human appearance, He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death even death on a cross. Because of this God greatly exalted him…” (Phil. 2:6-8)

As I reflected further the Holy Spirit brought to light that Jesus by his choice humbled himself to be obedient to Joseph and Mary. But even more, he lived with them for 30 years of his life before He began his public mission. When St. Joseph died, he took on the male role in the home.

He chose this way of life for a purpose, and that is to give example of honor in proper authority, out of reverence to God His Father.

To have this way of thinking; that is “youths do not have to listen to parents any more because they are away from the home is absolute rebellion against the Father’s authority entrusted to them, and it is the sin that was there from the beginning with Adam and Eve who in cooperation with the serpent said ”I will not serve … I will not obey…”

Seeing it all in this light gives a whole new seriousness to the situation. College campuses all over this country perpetuate this environment, and yes this includes the best Catholic Universities. And When teens rebel against their parents, they are also rebelling against God who gave them their parents as gifts.

Arrogance and pride say “you cannot tell me what to do, or I don’t need you, and so on…”

On the contrary Jesus who is God, did not make himself equal to God in human form. He humbled himself, taking the lowest form of the human state in poverty, and allowed himself to be needed for the sake of the other for well over 30+ years of his life.

Teens believe the lie of the enemy who says you can be your own God. He lied to Adam and Eve this way, placing the seed of doubt in their minds to trick them into committing sin.

As parents, God ordained us to follow and live by His Laws, and that we teach them to our children, and children’s children for generation after generation. This is the Divine Order and absolute mandate from God Himself under the Commandments. Not because it is the job of the parent to control the life of the child, but to follow the Divine Order.

Yes, by “CIVIL LAW” as students at the age of 18 and above away from home say you are adults, and you have a certain freedom given to you, which is gift. But Divine Law always supercedes any civil law, and does not give anyone the permission to forget everything they have been taught from the beginning.

There is no one else but the parent or one who is in authority who is following the laws of God going to give sound counsel and be forth right and upfront with their teen, except the ones who know them best, who have lived with them for those 18 + years during their formation years.

It takes great courage and the supernatural gift of humility to humble ones self in this way.

As parents, God holds us accountable to give sound advice, good counsel and right judgment in all things, for what is best for the welfare of the child, and above all for salvation of the soul even at the sake of not being popular with them.

Parents are not trying to oppress their teenagers as some of them think. We are trying to be open to them for better or worst as in the vows of our marriage, but can never condone misconduct or sinful behavior. Its not about making mistakes or bad choices. On the contrary, this is about not putting their soul in jeopardy for their salvation.

Parents will never be perfect, but God is perfect and we are called to uphold perfection with the knowledge and understanding that has been given to us.

Love never condones sin. Love desires heaven for the other at whatever cost for their salvation.

There are two vocations to choose from, married life or celibacy. In which ever is chosen a teen at this age must have the mindset first to prepare for their vocation, then their career.

In vocations, either married life or celibacy, that is in the divine order, there will always be someone in authority over the other, either spouse or superior.

It is the same in the work place, there will be always someone as manager, or owner of companies that will make you accountable. It is for the good of the person and common good of those around you. It is the same with civil authority, and Church authority. When someone rejects authority, then nothing but disorder and unrest will come with it.

So back to the statement about “being in college now, there are no parents to tell me what to do” concept…

God never said, “Ok teenage you are 18 now, go off and be accountable to no one but yourself.” That is the lie and great deception!

Everything has to have an order in the Divine Law first.

With the freedom that is given, God is entrusting them with GREAT RESPONSIBILITY to be a good stewards over what He is entrusting them to. And where He has placed you, He will hold you accountable for how you gave witness to him or not.

Therefore, referring back to the message of 10/2/11 in this light the Mother of God is the one who is calling her children into personal relationship with the Father through Jesus her Son, who was humble and obedient to the Father, and did not make himself equal to the Father in human form, but humbled himself to be led.

This is all about family relationship! Not about friendly relationship, or party time, but family relationship with God! First and foremost as being members of God’s family, then in the natural human family.

If teens could see their friends as brothers and sisters in Christ, then they would all see each other differently, and act towards another differently with great respect and dignity for the person out of reverence for Christ and the dignity of the human person.

Many are seeking miracles and special favors from God. But what about the miracle of the heart? To have the courage to fight for truth and be witness to that God exists. This is one one witness of living this message.

“Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother. This is a first commandment with a promise, “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth…” (Eph. 6:1-3)

All Youth Called to Evangelize and Prayer

The August 5, 2011 apparition of Our Lady took place during Ivan’s Prayer Group on Apparition Mountain in Medjugorje. It was a clear night, ending the feast day of Our Lady’s birthday. (Note: Our Lady revealed to the visionaries in Medjugorje that August 5th is her real birthday, even thought the Church celebrates her nativity on September 8th. When the events come to its conclusion, this will be made known).

Ivan began the Rosary a little after 10:00 PM, praying the Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries.

Thousand were present on the mountain with Our Lady. It was a clear evening, with thousands of stars visible in the night sky. Our Lady came around 10:52 P.M., and the apparition lasted 12 minutes. During Our Lady’s apparition it was noticed that not a single camera flash was seen, and the thousands were in a deep and peaceful silence as Our Lady came.

Ivan began to describe the apparition tonight, several large shooting stars went across the sky. Following is Ivan’s description of Our Lady’s apparition in Medjugorje of August 5, 2011:

Today, as every day, after every meeting with Our Lady, I desire to describe to you what is the most important from this meeting with Our Lady. Also tonight, Our Lady came to us, really very, very, very joyful and happy. She came with three angels. At the beginning, She greeted us all with Her Motherly greeting, “Praised be Jesus, my dear children.” Then Our Lady said:

“Dear children, also today, in this my great joy, when I see you in such a large number, I desire to call you, and to call all the youth, to participate in the evangelization today of the world; to participate in the evangelization of families. Dear children, pray, pray, pray, and the Mother prays together with you and intercedes before Her Son. Pray, dear children. Thank you, dear children, also today, for having responded to my call.”

Our Lady then for a longer while, with Her arms extended, prayed over all of you here. She then blessed us all with Her Motherly blessing and blessed everything you brought for blessing. Then Our Lady extended Her arms and for a long time especially prayed over all of you here and particularly over all of you youth present here. She prayed for your families. I then recommended all of you, your needs, your intentions, your families and especially all of you who are sick. Our Lady then continued to pray over all of you the youth. She left in that prayer, in an illuminated Sign of the Cross with a greeting, “Go in peace, my dear children.”

We must make it known that the youth are the future of the Church, and they play an important role for the future of the Church. Our Lady is calling them now to become active and evangelizing in the world, and in their families. It is important for the young people to be a visible sign of their Christian faith, and never be ashamed of it, especially among their peers and in their families.

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)

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!
=

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.

Notes from Vicka Talk and Medjugorje

and you yourself a sword will pierce...

This post is for information only from a recent talk given by fellow Medjugorje pilgrims. It is important to note the important high lights of the call from the Mother of God to her children.

Dear Family of Mary!

“Dear Children! I am with you and I bless you all with my motherly blessing. Especially today when God gives you abundant graces, pray and seek God through me. God gives you great graces, that is why, little children, make good use of this time of grace and come closer to my heart so that I can lead you to my son Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (June 25, 2001)

This is definitely a time of unparalleled graces. Our Lady has said this many times over the past 30 years. We have only to make good use of this time and open our hearts to accept them.

Denis has returned from his short trip to Medjugorje, and brings with him reports of those graces! He went to inspect the TV facility, and found it in very good shape. Everything is now finished and ready to be used, except for our studios. As soon as the Lord provides the funds, we will finish those studios and begin streaming and broadcasting! Amazing!!

While he was in Medjugorje last week, Denis was able to attend a short talk given by Vicka. He took some notes, based on the English translation by Miki Musa, which I want to share with you. Vicka’s words are full of hope and wisdom. She gives us again the way to open ourselves to the graces Our Lady speaks of:

“Vicka said that the Rosary protects us from Satan. She said that parents should pray the Rosary with their children. Satan cannot do any harm to us if we pray. Our Lady also advises that we carry blessed religious objects with us. Our Lady also tells us to put Holy Mass at the first place in our life, to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and to go to Confession once a month.

“Vicka also said that young people find themselves in a very, very difficult situation. We can help them only with our love and prayer with the heart. Our Lady says: ‘Dear young people! Today’s world is passing!’ Satan is using every free moment for himself, working through young people to destroy our families.

“Vicka continued: ‘This time is a time of great graces. She calls us to be carriers of her peace and to prepare for peace in the world. First, pray for peace in our own heart, then peace in our family, community, then will come peace in the world. If we pray for peace in the world and don’t have peace in our hearts, that doesn’t make any sense!’

“Vicka stated: ‘Gospa needs our prayers for the realization of her and God’s plans. Our Lady invites us to read the Holy Bible every day, to read a few lines and to try to live that every day. Gospa asks us to pray for the Pope, bishops and priests, the whole church needs prayers. In a special way pray for one plan that is supposed to be realized soon. Our Lady has been stressing recently that young people and families are in a very, very difficult situation. Our Lady prays for peace and asks us to help her in this same intention with our prayers.

“Tonight, Vicka said, she will recommend all of us to Our Lady. ‘You, too, at 5:30 pm open yourself and your heart and tell her all your wishes and intentions,’ she added.” (Short talk by Vicka Mijatovic given in Medjugorje on April 4, 2011)

We can see all the basic elements of Our Lady’s messages in Vicka’s comments: prayer, especially the Rosary, peace, conversion, the Bible, Holy Mass, Confession, the family, and Our Lady’s special plan. If we live these things, really live them, we will receive all the graces that are being poured out upon us in these days. I especially like Vicka’s advice to open our hearts to Our Lady at apparition time, and to ask for all we need then. If we ask, we will receive!

Let me conclude with this little prayer to Our Lady written by St. Faustina:

“O sweet Mother of God,
I model my life on You;
You are for me the bright dawn;
In You I lose myself, enraptured.

“O Mother, Immaculate virgin,
In You the divine ray is reflected,
Midst storms, ‘Tis You who teach me to love the Lord,
O my shield and defense from the foe.” (Diary 1232)
Truly, Mother Mary is our mother, the one who is here to help us draw close to God and receive His grace. Thank you, dear Mary, for coming again today for us!

In Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan

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

“I Desire to SEE Your Yes…”

Dear children, I am with you and I pray for you before my Son...

“Dear children! In a special way today I desire to call you to conversion. As of today, may new life begin in your heart. Children, I desire to see your ‘yes’, and may your life be a joyful living of God’s will at every moment of your life. In a special way today, I bless you with my motherly blessing of peace, love and unity in my heart and in the heart of my Son Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (3/25/2011)

Whew, it does not seem to be enough hours in the day these days. But I’ve been feeling Our Lady tugging my heart for these recent words she spoke to the world about.

As we seek wisdom with the Holy Spirit in this holy time of Lent, our Lady is reminding us what Lent is all about… “conversion of heart.” To experience conversion of heart we enter into a new birthing so to say; a new life in Christ in a new way.

Our Lady is here today very near to us. As the scripture says, “the Kingdom of God is at hand…” Our Lady brings to us her Son Jesus. He is the Kingdom in fullness.

Blessed Mother wants to obtain for us the graces we need to go deeper into our conversions. She asks us to press tightly to her motherly heart as an infant child would; who would want to be comforted, held and loved with the warmth of her embrace.

We are in the spring time of season…Our Lady desires a new life to come forth from our hearts. She has repeated this in her message of 2/25/2011. As with all of God’s creation on earth, the buds are coming forth and so are the flowers beginning to sprout from the earth. It is the same for us. These are signs for us to seek anew the beauty of God’s creation in the human being and the dignity of another.

She said in the above message, “Children, I desire to see your ‘yes’, and may your life be a joyful living of God’s will at every moment of your life…”

There is no play on words here. She did not say I desire to “hear your yes”. But she desires to see our yes. When we give her our hearts and we consecrate ourselves to her, she wants to see us take action. She wants to see we really mean what we say to her.

Now I am a mother. When my child makes a promise to me that they will do something, I have a level of expectation that they will complete what they have promised to do. If we say I give you everything of myself dear Mother, but I do not love my neighbor, or I go on committing the same sins, then I have fallen, and I must show that I am remorseful for the wrong I have done.

Can we make a promise to the Mother of God, and underneath our breath say no way, I’m not going to do that. She may be asking us to carry a burden or a cross that may help us to grow more in holiness. This cross may birth new graces for others to help them in their conversion.

Intercession is a powerful tool to obtain graces for others. It is the mission of Jesus in the most personal and intimate way, and the highest form of prayer to offer of oneself in the body through a simple word, “yes”.

If we say yes to our dear Mother in heaven for our crosses, then she is able to take us with seriousness, and pass our deeds of mercy on to her Son, who can multiply those graces to where ever they need to go.

For example, I had a recent experience through some dreams I have been having. They seem to be of the same meaning, but they’ve come in different ways. Most prominent was the one I just had last night. The Lord will often use dreams in our subconscience to convey to us what He wants to bring to conscience for us, or what He wants us to do for Him.

In this particular dream I saw two people, they seemed to be Japaneese in my dream, at least I awoke thinking this. But these two people were sinking in a mud pit, reaching out for help. Now in hindsight I would say the recent tsunami victims, at least I felt this in my heart. When I took this to prayer, the Lord was showing me, these were souls in Purgatory who are in need of prayer. So I understood they were souls crying out for prayer in their suffering state. So through the holy Mass today, with Our Lady I prayed for the poor souls.

Our Lady often says, “dear children, you are all important in this plan…with out you I cannot fullfill my plans….” If you are willing and you give your yes to her, when things such as dreams or inspirations come forth our prayer becomes one with the will of God, and the prayer is answered.

Isn’t that logical? If we know what God wants us to pray for, then the prayer will be answered? We must always be quiet to listen for those promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I get numerous requests from people who ask me to pray to God for discernment for themselves. My response always is, “I cannot discern anything for you that you don’t already know, because the Kingdom of God is within.” The problem is we are not listening, and we are deaf to His Word. I will pray with the one who asks, but in truth the discernment is between God and the one discerning.

The Lord will use the voice of others to confirm something we are discerning, the voice of His Church or his prophets. The ones who are open, who say “yes” to be empty vessels of the Holy Spirit, are the ones hearing the voice of the Lord. These are the ones who are being stripped of everything from worldly standards, and allowing more of the spirit of Jesus to dwell within. Remember, God is Spirit. He desires to be in full Spirit in the human being made in His image and likeness. We have to desire this, and work for this. That means sin has to go!

How are we living her call as being that joyful witness of living God’s call in our life? Are you ready to go to the cross if that be the will of God for you, in joy?

Living God’s will is not always easy. That means our will has to go. We have to pray as Jesus prayed, “not my will but yours be done in me.” This by the way was a prayer while Jesus was in the Garden in Agony. He layed down His will as much as He was suffering, and surrendered it all to the Father, because He had the full vision of the plan of God, knowing what He was going to endure was not in vain. In your prayer, beg God for the vision to help you press into the time of trial and not run from that cross.

That is the prayer that will be answered. Suffering always has redemptive value. But when we surrender to the perfect will of God, the pain of the suffering is lessened, and we are able to drink the chalice and go on.

This is the grace Jesus received from the angel. His surrender to the will of the Father strengthened Him to say yes every step of the way. It is the same for us. We have to say yes every step during our way of the cross, no matter how hard, how difficult or how many times we may fall. It is YES LORD, YES LORD, YES, YES, YES!!! This is when the grace comes, this is when the healing comes. With every crucifixion there is a resurrection and triumph.

Our Lady concludes her message with her blessing. Here is our consolation and hope. Remember the movie the The Passion of the Christ? Focus on this movie if you watch it again. Notice every time Jesus fell, and where was Our Lady in the scene? He looked at her, and he found strength to go forward. We are in Lent in this time. Our Mother is with us, as Jesus is becoming more incarnate in us. She is here to encourage us, to love us, and to help us gain strength for the sake of our salvation, and win the victory.

With her blessing, contains a tremendous gift and grace from God. Our Mother comes every day to bless the world. Every day you are getting blessed and you do not even know it.

Take it to prayer sometime and ask what this blessing really means and how often we take it for granted when we get blessed. Something happens to our souls in this blessing my friends. We should stop every day, and welcome her and her blessing in our hearts, to receive it with love and in fullness of the gift she is bringing us from heaven. It is a blessing she has obtained from the Father and the Son, fully packed with the Holy Spirit.

Let us all continue on with open hearts to her maternal love. And please thank God every day for this great gift that we are able to grow up with her, just like Jesus did in Nazareth.

There is a great mystery in this gift of our Nazareth years with the Mother of God. But remember, it came a time when Jesus was ready for his public mission and made His way to the Cross. We do not know how long the Father will permit her to be with us, but many of us feel the days are numbered my friends. Continue on and work all the more harder on the conversion of heart, so we are ready for the day that comes.

Ave Maria!

“For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly; but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguements and every proud obstacles to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete!” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Week 3-Forty Days in the Desert-An Oasis of Peace

Through prayer become friends with Jesus

It’s been a little harder this week to get this post out. Seems there have been some technical difficulties taking place with the host company. There must be some good fruit coming. I hope the Lord is touching your hearts as He is with us and our family.

The beauty of this is to see my children dialoging with the Lord and the scriptures. Not only do we encourage relationships and build unity in the family, but we encourage them to have a heart to heart relationship with their eternal family.

Remember the Holy Spirit is the author of the Word. Never begin your prayer without the help of the Holy Spirit.

Also be sure to make a conscious effor to get to the sacrament of reconciliation during this time to fortify your strength for the continued journey and refresh your soul in the ocean of mercy. Remember our Lady just said, it is through the priests that she will triumph. Really ponder these words for her purpose for coming into the world.

Catechism of the Catholic Church References: 737-741, 797-98, 1472-74, 1502

Daily Reflection:

“Dear children, tonight your Mother is happy, joyful together with you. I would like to extend happiness to you. I would like to give you love, so you can bring this love and spread it to others. I would like to give you peace, so you can give this peace to others, so you can give this peace especially to families where hatred exists. I would like you, dear children to renew the family prayer, all of you. I would like you to encourage others to renew this prayer. Your Mother will help you.” (10/17/88)

Day 1

“Dear children, with motherly perseverance and love I am brining you the light of life to destroy the darkness of death in you. Do not reject me, my children. Stop and look within yourselves and see how sinful you are. Be aware of your sins and pray for forgiveness…” (11/2/10)

“…It should be of no concern to you how anyone else acts; you are to be My living reflection through love and mercy.” (St. Faustina replied, ‘Lord but they often take advantage of my goodness.’) “That makes no difference, My daughter. That is no concern of yours. As for you, be always merciful toward other people, and especially toward sinners.” (Diary 1446)

Jn. 11:1-4, Mt. 10:8, Mk. 14:12-15, Jn. 20:20-23

Day 2

“…My children you do not desire to accept that you are weak and little, but you can be strong and great by doing God’s will. Give me your cleansed hearts that I may illuminate them with the light of life, my Son. Thank you.” (11/2/10)

“…Oh how painful it is to me that souls so seldom unite themselves to Me in holy Communion. I wait for souls and they are indifferent toward Me. I love them tenderly and sincerely, and they distrust Me. I want to lavish my graces on them, and they do not want to accept them. They treat me as a dead object, whereas my Heart is full of love and mercy. In order that you may know at least some of my pain, imagine the most tender of mothers who has great love for her children, while those children spurn her love. Consider her pain. No one is in a position to console her. This is but a feeble image and likeness of my love.” (Diary 1447)

2 Cor. 10:3-6, Rev. 21:2-4, Acts 3:16-23, 4:10-12

Day 3

“Dear children! Today I call you to come closer to my Immaculate Heart…” (10/25/98)

“…Tell souls where they are to look for solace; that is in the Tribunal of Mercy. (Sacrament of Reconciliation). There the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one’s misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint, there would be no restoration and everything would have already be lost. It is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that souls in full. Oh how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God’s mercy. You will call out in vain, but it will be too late…” (Diary 1448)

Lk. 8:43-47, Prov. 3:1-12, Ez. 36:26, Act 4:16-20

Day 4

“….I call you to renew in your families the fervor of the first days when I called you to fasting, prayer and conversion. Little children, you accepted my messages with open hearts, although you did not know what prayer was. Today, I call you to open yourselves completely to me so that I may transform you and lead you to the heart of my Son Jesus, so that He can fill you with His love. Only in this way, little children, will you find true peace – the peace that only God gives you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (10/25/98)

“…First, do not fight against a temptation by yourself, but disclose it to the confessor at once, and then the temptation will lose all its force. Second, during these ordeals do not lose you peace; live in My presence; ask My Mother and the Saints for help. Third, have the certitude that I am looking at you and supporting you. Fourth do not fear either struggles of the soul or any temptation because I am supporting you; if only you are willing to fight, know that the victory is always on your side. Fifth, know that by fighting bravely you give Me great glory and amass merits for yourself. Temptation gives you a change to show Me your fidelity.” (Diary 1560)

Mt. 26:35, Lk. 22:33-34, Gal 2:20, Ps. 46, Jn 11:39-40

Day 5

“Dear children! Also today I am with you in a special way contemplating and living the passion of Jesus in my heart. Little children, open your hearts and give me everything that is in them; joys, sorrows, and even the smallest pain that I may offer them to Jesus; so that with His immeasurable love, He may burn and transform your sorrows into the joy of His resurrection…” (2/25/99)

“…I remind you my daughter, that as often as you heart the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking. It was the hour of grace for the whole world – mercy triumphed over justice. (Diary 1572)

Jn. 11:44, Is. 55:8-9, Jn. 2:5, Lk. 23:43

Day 6

“…I now call you in a special way, little children for your hearts to open to prayer, so that through prayer you may become friends of Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (2/25/99)

“…My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore in the Blessed Sacrament, My heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant, I claim veneration for my mercy from every creature, but above all from you, since it is to you that I have given the most profound understanding of this mystery.” (Diary 1572)

Jn. 15:11-17, Heb. 11:8-11, Jn. 10:27-29, Rev. 7:14-17

Day 7 Review

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)