Day: June 13, 2018

Forgiveness June 14, 2018 Dear Family of Mary! Today, in our Gospel, Jesus warns us about the poison of unforgiveness and lack of reconciliation between us. He makes is very clear that if we hold on to anger and resentment we will be ruining our own lives. Our Lady speaks directly to this pervasive problem for us humans as well. Here is the Gospel for today- Matthew 5: 20-26: For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!’ shall be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5:20-26) And Our Lady’s message: September 2, 2010 “Dear children; I am beside you because I desire to help you to overcome trials, which this time of purification puts before you. My children, one of those is not to forgive, and not to ask for forgiveness. Every sin offends love and distances you from it and love is my Son. Therefore, my children, if you desire to walk with me towards the peace of God’s love, you must learn to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Thank you.” Our Lady’s words are so kind and gentle. May we respond to her desire to help us in this time of trial, this time on earth. She can give us the inner strength to face up to our anger and resentment and our wrong doing, and make things right! We do not want to be distanced from Jesus! On the contrary we want to get as close to Jesus as we possibly can. Forgiving and asking forgiveness is the way! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan © Mary TV 2018

The Statue of St. Anthony in St. James Church June 13, 2018 St. Anthony of Padua Dear Family of Mary! July 25, 2007 “Dear children! Today, on the day of the Patron of your Parish, I call you to imitate the lives of the Saints. May they be, for you, an example and encouragement to a life of holiness. May prayer for you be like the air you breathe in and not a burden. Little children, God will reveal His love to you and you will experience the joy that you are my beloved. God will bless you and give you an abundance of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call.” Though St. James is the patron saint of the Parish of Medjugorje, St. Anthony is the patron of the Franciscans in the area. Rosie reported last year about the devotion to St. Anthony in Medjugorje: On the 13th of June is St. Anthony’s feast day, and here in the region there is a long standing tradition where many young people, and older people too, will leave their homes during the night and walk many kilometers to Ljubuski where the Fransiscan Shrine of St. Anthony is situated. From Medjugorje it is about an 18 Kilometer walk but so many people are prepared to do the walk. They will arrive at St. Anthony’s Shrine, where they will attend Holy Mass. There is Holy Mass on the hour, every hour, from 5 am throughout the day to 7 pm. So the pilgrims arrive, attend Holy Mass, and then they also take part in Confession in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a great joy to see how many young people of this area, and also pilgrims that come, who very willing wish to do this devotion. (Tea with Rosie # 201 – June 14, 2017) Pilgrims gathered at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Ljubuscki Our Lady tells us “I call you to imitate the lives of the Saints. May they be for you an example and encouragement to a life of holiness.” She knows how difficult it is to live a holy life. Especially in these days when our cultures are focused so much on the world and the darkness. Staying close to the saints is important. Their example can really help us when we are making choices. Here is a prayer to St. Anthony that I like. May St. Anthony help us is all our difficulties and trials: PRAYER FOR INNER PEACE St. Anthony, faithful servant of Christ, you offered comfort and consolation to all who came to you in times of trouble. Pray for me now, that I may know true peace of mind, heart and soul. Help me grow in faith, so that I may be free from all useless and needless anxiety in this life. Fill me with a complete and lasting confidence in God’s healing graces. Grant me the serenity known by those who let go of resentments, bitterness and anger. Reassure me that Our Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, is with me every step of the way, every day of my life, and that in His gracious love I need not worry or fear any of life’s difficulties. Amen. “When you look into muddy or choppy water, you will not see your face reflected. If you want the face of Christ, who looks on you, to be reflected within you, come away from the disturbance of exterior things, and let your soul be at peace.” – St. Anthony of Padua http://www.companionsofstanthony.org/pray/prayers-to-st-anthony-of-padua/ In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan ©Mary TV 2018